Crossing the Line
A Breaking Barriers Production, Written by Parvez Qadir
On tour from March 2nd 2026
To enquire about future tours, email: breakingbarriersprojects@gmail.com
about crossing the line
Crossing the Line is a powerful 20-minute monologue exploring Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) through the eyes of Imran, an 18-year-old who has been groomed into a local gang and wants a way out. Designed primarily for Years 5 and 6, the performance gives young people a safe and engaging way to understand how grooming happens, how exploitation can escalate, and where to seek support.
The performance is followed by a facilitated discussion, creating space for honest conversation, reflection and questions. Schools also receive an accompanying Activity Pack, providing classroom resources to deepen learning and reinforce key safeguarding messages. Together, the performance and workshop create a memorable early-intervention experience that empowers young people with knowledge and confidence to stay safe.
CROSSING THE LINE IMPACT
Through strategic partnerships, the programme has engaged thousands of young people, alongside parents, carers, teachers and frontline professionals, embedding safeguarding conversations directly into school communities. Since 2019, we have reached:
WHERE WE’VE BEEN & WHO WE WORKED WITH
Since launching in 2019, Crossing The Line has been commissioned multiple times by key safeguarding partners including Greater Manchester Police, East Lancashire Police, Salford Council, the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, National County Lines Coordination Centre, local authorities and individual schools.
The project has reached schools and communities across Rochdale, Central Manchester, Wigan, Bury, Bolton, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Bradford, Heywood, Salford, Trafford, Comm North and East Lancashire.
“Education and prevention are vital to tackling the threat posed by exploitative County Lines drug networks. Breaking Barriers’ approach brings together powerful, engaging theatre with tailored support for educators and school safeguarding staff, followed by workshops that help children consolidate and apply their learning.
The theatre production engages pupils in an age‑appropriate way, without diluting the seriousness of the message, and the accompanying workshops and activity resources provide real depth and long‑term value. The NCLCC is proud to support this initiative, and we look forward to hearing the feedback from the schools taking part.”
NOW TOURING YORKSHIRE WITH THE NATIONAL COUNTY LINES COORDINATION CENTRE
We are proud to be expanding further into Yorkshire through our partnership with the National County Lines Coordination Centre. With their support, Crossing The Line can be delivered free to schools, removing financial barriers and ensuring early intervention education reaches those who need it most.
This next phase sees the programme touring Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and Derby, continuing our mission to spark vital conversations before young people are exposed to risk.
By combining creative storytelling with expert safeguarding collaboration, Crossing The Line continues to grow its reach, impact and commitment to protecting young people from exploitation.
To discuss press opportunities, please email: nat@nataliapiotrowska.co.uk
