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.
Talk to someone
Talking to someone you trust often helps. This could be a 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.
Runaway Helpline
Call or text: 116 000
116000@missingpeople.org.uk
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
West Yorkshire Police have specially trained officers who work in Safeguarding Units across West Yorkshire:
Bradford Safeguarding Unit
Child safeguarding: 01274 373954
Adult safeguarding: 01274 376581
Calderdale Safeguarding Unit
Domestic safeguarding: 01422 337199
Adult safeguarding: 01422 337013
Kirklees Safeguarding Unit
01924 335073
Leeds Safeguarding Unit
Child safeguarding 0113 3859576
Adult safeguarding 0113 3859590
Wakefield Safeguarding Unit
Child safeguarding: wakefield.sguchild@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Adult safeguarding: wakefield.sguadult@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
01924 878398
You can also call the police on 101 in non-emergencies, but if a crime is in progress or there is a danger to life, always call 999.
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.
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