Expert advice
Runaways

During the Hard Christmas season 2007 case workers from Missing People, a UK charity that works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people and their families, responded to questions about runaways. You can read their answers below.

Find a list of support organisations that support runaways and their families here.

John: I have watched your programme Runaway and I feel we are on the verge of my step daughter choosing the same path as Laura. What can we do to prevent it happening?

Missing People: The Runaway Helpline is a confidential freefone service for young people who are away from home. We do, however, quite often get calls from parents about issues around their children running away. One organisation that some people find useful to talk to in this situation is ParentlinePlus. Their website address is www.parentlineplus.org.uk or call them on 0808 800 2222.

Chloe: I really hate home at the moment. I have no-one to go to, what shall I do? I just want to get away.

Missing People: We are sorry to hear that you really hate home at the moment. One of the most important things if you’re thinking about leaving home is to make sure that you are safe. This is one of the things that the Runaway Helpline can try and help you with. The Runaway Helpline is a confidential helpline available 24 hours a day. We offer help, advice and support to anyone who is away from home or care, been forced to leave or is thinking about running away. The Runaway Helpline can also help you pass a message to someone to let them know you are safe. You can contact the Runaway Helpline by calling Freefone 0808 800 7070 or by emailing runawayhelpline@missingpeople.org.uk. and we can talk to you about your options.

Denise: I just wondered why every Christmas I start to feel panicky and want to run away? My Christmases aren't any different to anyone else’s. But, I never feel festive or happy or look forward to it at all.

Missing People: Some people find certain times of the year harder than others. The Runaway Helpline is here to provide help, advice and support 24 hours a day, and we often talk to callers about the feelings that have led to their running away. Sometimes we also suggest that callers speak to other services who might be able to give them more specialised help, or greater emotional support, like Samaritans who you can call on 08457 90 90 90. You can contact the Runaway Helpline by calling Freefone 0808 800 7070 or by emailing runawayhelpline@missingpeople.org.uk

Alesha: I need to get out of my house, it won't be for long when I do. I need to know where can a young person go when she's got nowhere else?

Missing People: If you're thinking of leaving home, it is very important to think about where you are going to go – it’s important that you’re safe. The Runaway Helpline can talk you through your options as it does depend on your age. We can try and help you access emergency accommodation, or just to talk to someone to find out a bit more about your choices such as Social Services. The Runaway Helpline is a confidential service available 24 hours a day and can offer help, advice and support to anyone who is away from home or care, or has been forced to leave. The Runaway Helpline can also help you pass a message to someone to let them know you are safe. You can contact the Runaway Helpline by calling Freefone 0808 800 7070 or by emailing runawayhelpline@missingpeople.org.uk.

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