Educational centre in Sheffield believes county lines is a 'growing threat' to teenagers
In2Change in South Yorkshire has been up & running for almost 20 years
Last updated 28th Jan 2026
Staff at an alternative education centre in South Yorkshire tell us 'County lines' is becoming a 'growing threat' to teenagers.
Around 20 pupils a week - in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire - attend In2Change - in Sheffield - which offers alternate provisions for 11-16-year-olds.
The charity has been around for 19 years - offering vulnerable, young people - who've been excluded from mainstream education - an opportunity to develop skills & gain qualifications in things like music, fitness, or health & beauty.
Kefa Brooks- Cotterell is the lead music production tutor at In2Change:
"It's a good outlet for young people to do something different from classroom work or more structured work.
"They can express themselves in whatever way they want - whether that be through song writing, poetry, or DJ'ing."
Brian Wreakes is the founder of the charity:
"The majority of people who come here have parental issues.
"They may also be involved with low class drugs like cannabis.
"Anti-social behaviour is another massive issue - but it's all about creating awareness amongst these young people about how they can have a brighter future.
"We get up to 20 people a week here, and they can get qualifications what can take them on to college."
Arsalan 'Rocky' Othman is the fitness instructor at In2Change
He's noticed a trend of more young people there at risk of being exploited by county lines gangs - which involves illegal drugs being transported from one area to another:
"These young people can often be getting groomed by gang leaders.
"They get to deliver parcels to places like Doncaster or Rotherham and make a quick £500 or £1,000 - so it's appealing at first, but they don't know that once they've been dragged into that lifestyle - it's hard to get out of."
Rebecca Muller is the hair & beauty tutor at In2Change.
She says all the staff chip in there with different types of sessions:
"We'll often do some acting on life in prison and real court room scenarios and situations.
"The centre as a whole is beneficial to a lot of young people in our communities.
"We work on teaching the importance of knife crime here too."
In2Change first opened their doors in 2007.
You can visit their website on the link below: