Parents outraged as kids as young as 6 exposed to “disgusting” drug themes in Deeside anti-crime workshops

An investigation has been launched following claims children as young as six were left “traumatised” after being enticed into workshops in Deeside that promised “fun, games and pizza,” but exposed them to information about Class A drugs.

Theatr Clwyd has been running the workshops during the half-term break in Sealand, Queensferry, and Connah’s Quay, which were designed for young teenagers and their families.

The workshops are being run in partnership with Flintshire County Council’s Youth Justice and Youth Services teams and are part of a program of community-based approaches to reducing crime.

However, a number of complaints sent to local councillors and seen by Deeside.com suggest that children as young as six were “lured” into the workshops without staff verifying their age or checking parental consent.

Parents have claimed that the children were taught “disgusting things” and lured into youth clubs in Sealand and Connah’s Quay under false pretences.

One parent alleged her young daughter was approached by a lady on youth club grounds who invited her children to come and join some “fun and games” inside.

She arrived home 30 minutes later “traumatised, after being exposed to talk about “all kinds of drugs” and watching an act “about a man on drugs”.

Another parent claimed that their seven-year-old son, who had “never heard such language before” had been taught words related to “heavy drugs.”

Rehearsals are in full swing for our Community Justice workshops, taking place across Flintshire from 20 Feb!

These workshops are free, and perfect for young people & their families.

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— Theatr Clwyd (@ClwydTweets) February 9, 2023

The parent was “disgusted that [the club] is run by the council and funded by the police.”

Another mum claims her young son was exposed to discussions about heroin and cocaine during the event.

According to the mother, her children were approached by a member of staff while playing in the park.

The staff member invited them to a ‘fun day’ that included inflatables and pizza, but did not mention any discussion of drugs.

The mother says her daughter later confirmed that the staff had spoken about drugs to the children, including her six-year-old son.

Another parent said their six-year-old son went to the park with his sister and was invited into a “fun day” by a member of workshop staff.

“He then has come home asking me what heroin and cocaine [are].”

The parent claimed, “Half of the staff didn’t even know what was involved in the program.”

Queensferry and Sealand County Councillor Dale Seleverster confirmed he has received “several messages from concerned parents with regard to the conduct of the workshops that have been undertaken.”

He said, “Please be reassured that I have raised these issues with Flintshire County Council Chief Executive and asked for his urgent intervention.”

A spokesperson for Flintshire County Council said, “A complaint has been received, and the matter is being investigated by the Council, so until that work is complete, we cannot comment further.”

A spokesperson for Theatr Clwyd said, “Flintshire County Council’s Youth Justice and Youth Services teams with Theatr Clwyd have been delivering community-based workshops exploring issues surrounding youth justice.”

“These workshops are designed for young teenagers accompanied by their families to learn about the effects of anti-social behaviour on communities.”

“The workshops are based on an award-winning, long-established youth justice program.”

“We are aware that our partners Flintshire County Council are investigating a complaint that they have received and are unable to comment further.”