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Around 77,000 children under 16 run away from home every year. One in eight young people were physically hurt and one in nine sexually assaulted when they were away.
Young people who have run away or are thinking about it may be worried (among other things) about finding somewhere safe to stay, or about having no money. They may be being bullied, having relationship (or sex) problems, or they may be lonely. They may be having trouble with their parents or think they're about to be thrown out. They could be living in care. They could be being abused. They will probably be without support and at risk.
The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline (0808 800 5000) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are free, unless you're calling from a mobile phone.
We can put young people in touch with services that will help. If you've left home, or are thinking about running away, we can give you advice in total confidentiality. It's up to you whether you wish to identify yourself. However, we would take action in a situation where a child or young person is deemed to be at serious risk. If you decide to give us your details, we will tell you of any action that we might consider.
If you need advice because you are the parent or friend of a young person who has run away, call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 .
We can talk through the options with you or the young person concerned. We can put you or the young person in touch with local social services who should be able to offer help, including finding a place to stay if needed. Where requested or necessary, we will ask the police to help in trying to make sure the young person is safe.
We talk to young people about the reasons why they are thinking of running away. We help them to explore the options should they actually decide to leave. We find out if there are places nearby that can help. We talk through what their rights may be if they choose to leave, and how social services may be able to help. If requested, we will talk with the young person and their parents to help sort out the problems.
There is plenty of support available. We can put you in touch with other organisations, drop-in centres and other sources of help throughout the UK. Here are some useful contacts:
Runaway Helpline
Tel: 0808 800 7070
Email: help@runawayhelpline.org.uk
Website: www.runawayhelpline.org.uk
A confidential freefone helpline for anyone aged 17 or under who has run away or been forced to leave home or care.
Alone in London Service
Tel: 020 7278 4224
Email: alone@als.org.uk
Website: http://www.als.org.uk
Centrepoint
Tel: 020 7426 5300
Website: http://www.centrepoint.org.uk
Crisis
Tel: 020 7665 8300
Email: enquiries@crisis.org.uk
Website: http://www.crisis.org.uk
Get Connected
Tel: 080 8808 4994
Website: http://www.getconnected.org.uk
Shelter
Tel: 020 7505 2000
Email: info@shelter.org.uk
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
Children's Legal Centre
Tel: 01206 873820
Email: nel@essex.ac.uk
Website: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.