Whatever your reason for wanting to run away, 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 work out possible solutions to what is it is that has caused you to feel the need to run away. It might feel difficult to talk to someone, but running away can make your problems worse.
While you're away you could:
- be harmed or hurt
- find yourself sleeping rough
- find yourself in dangerous situations
- be unable to contact people you care for and love
- find yourself in a strange place.
If you prefer to speak to someone anonymously, you can call one of these free and confidential helplines:
Runaway-helpline-Scotland (runawayhelpline.org.uk)
Call or text: 116 000 (Open 09:00 – 23:00, 7 days a week for phone/text)
Email: 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
Online chat: Runaway-helpline-Scotland (runawayhelpline.org.uk) (Available 14:30 – 21:00)
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, carers or family 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.
