THURROCK Council's School Wellbeing Service has collaborated with N-Act Theatre Company to produce a film about young people and the affect that gang involvement can have on members, family and friends.

Nearly 30 school staff and services watched the film 'The Line' at a recent VIP screening at Thames Park Secondary School.

N-Act Theatre Company worked with young people from local schools before the Covid-19 pandemic to find out their views on the main topics that schools should discuss with young people.

Schools and academies in Thurrock will be able to get access to the film for free to educate pupils about gangs by contacting their allocated practitioner from the School Wellbeing Service. A trailer of the film will be accessible through the Thurrock Services for Schools website.

Cllr Barry Johnson, cabinet member for children and education, said: "This welcome collaboration between our School Wellbeing Service and touring company N-Act Theatre Company highlights an important message about gangs and how they can affect young people, their family and friends.

"I'm delighted that this film will be freely available to schools and academies throughout Thurrock as an educational tool to help young people understand the dangers of gangs. Parents and guardians can also find comprehensive information about gangs, what to look for, what you can do and how to get help at our Community Safety and Crime webpages."

Dr Sharon Williams, Artistic Director and founder of N-Act Theatre Company, said: "This topic is a key element of the work we do at N-Act Theatre in Schools Company and very close to our hearts. The young cast were proud to have been involved in something that could impact the choices others might make, and those young people who were in the audience for the screening told me that they thought it was powerful and meaningful, and should be seen and discussed in schools."

Anyone who is interested in using the video for their work with young people but does not work in a Thurrock school can contact [email protected] for more information. 'The Line' is not recommended to be viewed by children under 12 years without parental or adult agreement.

Find out more about N-Act Theatre Company online.

Parents or guardians who are worried about a child involved with gangs can contact the Thurrock Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) by calling 01375 652 802 or email: [email protected]