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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.



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

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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