West Yorkshire Police are reminding children that help is out there if they feel the sudden urge to run away from home.
Hundreds of youngsters leave home every year for a number of reasons, but a new campaign highlights how running away can leave them feeling scared, isolated and in dangerous situations.
The video above is based on real-life experiences and reveals how seemingly innocuous acts of defiance, such as ignoring text messages from worried parents, can lead to serious consequences.
Children and young people often find themselves in dangerous situations soon after they run away from home as they can end up sleeping rough and without food.
They sometimes also become involved in drugs and alcohol and can even end up being arrested by officers.
In a bid to prevent this from happening, West Yorkshire Police have reminded children and young people that help is out there.
Even if children are experiencing difficulties at home or at school, they should talk to a friend, family member or a teacher about how they are feeling.
In situations where children don't feel as though they can talk to someone they know, there are free and confidential helplines where support is available.
There are safeguarding units in all the major towns and cities across West Yorkshire too, where specially-trained officers can help.
You can contact the following people if you are thinking of running away from home.
Runaway Helpline
Call or text: 116 000
Email: 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
Online chat: www.runawayhelpline.org.uk (Available 2.30 – 9pm)
The Runaway Helpline 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
- Call: 0800 1111
- Visit: www.childline.org.uk
ChildLine 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.
Bradford Safeguarding Unit
- Email: bd.safeguarding@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Call: child safeguarding - 01274 373954
- Call: adult safeguarding - 01274 376581
Calderdale Safeguarding Unit
- Email: calderdalesafeguardingunit@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Call: domestic safeguarding - 01422 337199
- Call: adult safeguarding - 01422 337013
Kirklees Safeguarding Unit
- Email: ea.safeguarding@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Call: 01924 335073
Leeds Safeguarding Unit
- Email: leeds.safeguarding@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Call: child safeguarding - 0113 3859576
- Call: adult safeguarding - 0113 3859590
Wakefield Safeguarding Unit
- Email: child safeguarding - wakefield.sguchild@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Email: adult safeguarding - wakefield.sguadult@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
- Call: 01924 878398
Youngsters 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.
