Blackburn author invited to speak at policing awards

Christina Gabbitas who has made her name as a children’s author and is also a patron of Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and an honorary member of NSPCC council, was invited to speak at the annual British Association of Women in Policing Awards (BAWP)  in Chester.

Christina shared her work surrounding positive working partnerships with police forces, utilising her story ‘No More Knives County Lines’.

She said: “It was an absolute honour to be invited.

“[I spoke] about how partnership working is key in helping to educate children about being groomed, county lines and the consequences of carrying knives.

“I spent two days at their event and met some very inspirational women in policing who have gone above and beyond. I’m in awe and inspired by all their hard work and commitment.

“I have now been approached by more Police forces to explore more opportunities of partnership working.”

Mandy Chapman, of the BAWP, said: “We at BAWP hugely support the much-needed partnership working that Christina’s is undertaking, it’s critical to engage with children at an early age.

“Christina’s presentation was very well received nationally and we hope that the message is spread far and wide.”

Blackburn with Darwen police officers sergeant Dave Dutton and Sergeant Steve Dundon, who have worked with Christina, added: “The inputs provided an opportunity for the local neighbourhood policing team to raise the dangers of carrying knives and dealing drugs.

“Our thanks go to Christina for allowing us the opportunity to spread the message.

“Working in partnership allows us to make a real difference in the communities we serve on a daily basis.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Christina’s work has been so unique. I think most people think about county lines as an issue that older children can be vulnerable to – but let’s not let it get to that stage.

"The interactive nature of the sessions has made it enjoyable and engaging learning for children and teachers alike. The sessions with North Yorkshire children have been a real success. A huge thanks to Christina.”

Jonathan Evison, police and crime commissioner for Humberside said: “Working with Christina has been an inspiration.

“Her contributions to our No More Knives campaign, including a comic, ebook, and animated film have been excellent.

Christina Gabbitas with St Luke's School pupils and Sgt David Dutton (Image: Christina Gabbitas)

“She has made numerous visits to local schools to engage with young people to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and how they could be exploited by county lines drug gangs.

“Christina’s background as an author has hugely benefitted our campaigns and provided innovative ways to deliver these important messages to young people.”

Due to the success of her writing and working partnerships, Christine has now been commissioned by North Yorkshire Police to write a sequel story ‘Trapped In County Lines’.

The book will be aimed at children, aged 12 and older.