Housing
Runaways
If things have got to the point where you’ve had to run away from home, you can still access services from the Council or Social Services, but there are also free helplines that you can contact specifically to do with running away:
- 0500 700 700 - Runaway Helpline
Email: runawayhelpline@missingpeople.org.uk
Offers confidential assistance & advice to ensure the safety of runaways aged under 18.
- 0800 700 740 – Message Home Helpline
Email: messagehome@missingpeople.org.uk
Free, confidential advice for runaways aged 18+ and a means of sending a message home.
Remember, sleeping rough is not a good idea and is particularly dangerous if you are on your own or in a place you don’t know. If you have to sleep on the streets as a last resort, try to stick to these guidelines:
- Sleep where there are other rough sleepers.
- Get hold of a sleeping bag or blankets to keep warm.
- Always try to sleep on a bench or on pieces of cardboard to insulate yourself from the cold ground.
- Try to eat or drink something hot before you go to bed.
- Keep your head covered, as well as your hands and feet, as you lose 50% of your body heat through your head.
- Don’t drink alcohol before you go to sleep. It actually dehydrates you and makes your body temperature fall.
Please be careful of individuals who approach you and try to befriend you or offer you free accommodation. It may be that they will expect something in return. It's always safest to go to a proper organisation or charity if you need help.
Page updated: Sunday, March 9, 2008 8:42 AM
