A charity aiming to tackle the crisis of young people being caught up in drug dealing 'county lines' gangs is advertising for two vital posts.
The St Giles Trust needs two County Lines Caseworkers for the Merseyside area, as part of a Home Office funded project to help hundreds of youths escape criminal exploitation.
County lines refers to organised crime groups sending young or vulnerable people to deal drugs in towns or cities away from the gang's original area, which is a particular problem in Merseyside.
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Last year St Giles launched projects in Merseyside, London and the West Midlands involving specialist caseworkers offering intensive one-to-one support for each young person and their wider family if needed.
The charity says existing specialist services are already running at capacity and the indications from the frontline are that there is a substantial unmet need for more support.
Evan Jones, Head of Community Services at St Giles, said: "Many young people tell us that they see no way out of county lines.
"Our staff are living proof that positive change is possible. This funding will enable us to support hundreds of young people who are currently beyond our reach and end the misery and suffering that they and their families are experiencing.
"Whilst the consequences of county line involvement can be severe, there is light at the end of the tunnel if the right support is in place.”
The two jobs on offer, advertised as paying £19,847 per year, call for people with personal experience of the criminal justice system and experience working with "high risk" children.
The job advertisement states: "This pivotal role will see you referring clients, with reference to St Giles /Rescue and Response assessment practices.
"You will also need to produce support plans and risk management and planning process, and to include appropriate agencies in the delivery of the service.
"You will also deliver a holistic support service, working independently or with colleagues, which will include providing social and housing support, education, training and employment options, benefits work, debt advice, and appearing in court.
"Developing and maintaining strong relationships with regional agencies including police and social services is a key aspect of the role."
The Home Office provided St Giles with £860,800 in funding for the service in 20/21. This forms part of the Government’s wider investment of £25 million to tackle county lines.
Detective Inspector Jimmy Belmar from Merseyside Police said “I am delighted to see more funding being used to protect and support our young people from the harsh realities of county lines activity.
“It is well known that criminals often use children and vulnerable members of society to transport and supply dugs across the country. Being involved in this type of crime is extremely dangerous. When someone starts moving drugs and/or dangerous weapons from place to place, you put yourselves at significant risk – whether that is getting stopped by police and ending up with a criminal record or coming into contact with another dangerous individual which realistically could end up with you being seriously injured, if not worse.
“It is paramount that people living in Merseyside or in neighbouring counties tell the police if they know who is committing these crimes and exploiting young people. Criminals take advantage of young people, enticing them into a life of crime and damaging their future prospects.
“We continually seek to bring offenders to justice through proactive policing, acting on community intelligence and working with our partners including St Giles who have a proven track record supporting vulnerable young people.
"This further funding will go hand in hand with methods already in place and I hope this only amplifies the safety of all those living, working and visiting Merseyside."
