Running Away

Running away is not the answer

Sometimes things can get too much and you may start to think about running away, but running away won't provide the answer to your problems. Whatever the reason, there are people who can help.

The two videos below tell the stories of two young people who had been missing from home and the impact that this had on the people around them.

Talk to someone

Talking to someone you trust often helps. This could be family member like a grandparent or auntie/uncle, or a family friend or teacher. Talking to a trusted adult about your problems can help you find possible solutions. If you prefer to talk to someone that you don’t already know, there are a number of helplines that you can call.

It might feel difficult to talk to someone, but running away can make your problems worse.

You could:

be harmed or hurt
end up cold, wet and hungry
find yourself sleeping rough
find yourself in dangerous situations
not be able to contact people you care for and love
be offered drugs and/or alcohol
find yourself in a strange place
be at risk of breaking the law and arrested.

The better option is to talk to someone.

If you want to speak to someone anonymously, you can call one of these free and confidential helplines:

Runaway Helpline

Call or text: 116 000
Email: [email protected]
Online chat: www.runawayhelpline.org.uk (Available 2.30 – 9pm)

You can use the helpline if you’re thinking about running away or if you have already run away from home and need help and advice.

They can help you get a message back to your parents to let them know that you’re safe, but only if you want them to.

All contact is confidential, and they can’t find out where you are unless you choose to tell them.

You can text or phone them even if you have no credit left on your mobile phone.

They will talk to you in confidence to explain your options and try to get you the help you want.

ChildLine

Their advisers are trained to help with any problems that you’re having at home that are making you think about running away.

Calls to ChildLine are completely confidential and free, even if you call from a mobile phone.

Call 0800 1111
Visit www.childline.org.uk

West Yorkshire Police has specially trained officers who work in Safeguarding Units across West Yorkshire.

You can contact the police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the non-emergency number, 101.

If you are in immediate danger or there is a crime in progress, always call 999.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing in a non-emergency use Typetalk 18001 101

You can chat online to the police using '101 Live Chat' at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus

Young people run away for all sorts of reasons. Whatever your reason for wanting to run away, remember there are adults and friends who can help you.