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What is Runaway Helpline?

Runaway Helpline is a national, free, confidential service, provided by the charity Missing People, for anyone who has run away from home or care, or been forced to leave home
Whether you have run away from home because of an argument, bullying, abuse or you’re unhappy. Sometimes you just want to get some space. Runaway Helpline is here for you day or night
Runaway Helpline is a service for young people, however if you are over 18 you can contact Missing People’s adult service – Message Home. You can call free 0800 700 740 or email messagehome@missingpeople.org.uk

How can you help me?

At Runaway Helpline we don’t judge you or tell you what to do. We are here to help you talk through what has happened to you and to explore options of how we can help
If you feel you can’t contact your family or carer yourself, but would like to get a message to someone, we can help
If you want, we can also arrange a three-way call, where we connect you through to your family or carer. We find that having someone else on the line can make it easier for you to talk
Some young people who contact us want to know if they are reported missing to the police. Others worry that they are in trouble with the police. If you want, we can help you talk to a police officer via a three-way call. Again, this call can’t be traced and it gives you the chance to ask any

Will you tell my family where I am? Will you pressure me to go home?

No. Runaway Helpline doesn’t need to know where you are to help you and we only know the information that you tell us. We will explore your options and help you get to a place of safety

What will you do if I don’t want to talk to my family or foster carer?

If that’s the case, we can explore other options with you. For example, we can put you in contact with a local runaways’ project, if there is one in your area. Or we can talk about helping you speak to a social worker, if you would like that. There might also be a refuge (a place of safety) in your area we can refer you to
Home may be with a foster carer, mum or dad, grandparents or a children’s home. Whatever your situation, we are here to help

Can you speak to my family or carer for me?

Yes. Runaway Helpline can send a message for you to your family or carer. The person we pass the message to needs to be over 18. All we need is your full name and some ID such as your date of birth and a contact number for who you would like a message sent to
We cannot pass on negative messages but we can make that first step and speak to your family or carer for you. If you would like to talk to them yourself but feel scared to pick up the phone we can also connect you to your family on a three-way call and we will be on the line

How can I get in touch?

By phone (0808 800 70 70), email (runaway@missingpeople.org.uk) and text (80234)
If you don’t feel ready to talk then you can email or text us. Both services are free and the team can’t trace you
If you send us a text or email we will do everything we can to reply to you as soon as possible. You will instantly receive a confirmation of your message to us, and then a second text or email with advice based on your message to us
However if you are in danger please phone us on 0808 800 7070
Through email or text, we can give you advice and explore your options or if you wish, pass a message on

Do you trace my calls, emails or texts?

No. The Runaway Helpline team are not able to trace calls, emails or texts and do not know where you are unless you tell us. Calls to Runaway Helpline are as anonymous as you want them to be

I feel like I want to run away, can you help?

Yes. If something is happening in your life that is making you feel like you want to run away you can contact us at any time
We can talk through your problems and look at some of the options with you. If you want us to we can signpost you on to someone that may be able to help you sort things out. They can provide you with some ongoing support so you don’t feel like running away is the only option

I want to leave home but I’m not sure if I can as I’m under 16, can you find me a new place to live?

In England you can’t legally leave home without your parent’s or carer’s consent until you are 16. If you aren’t feeling safe at home than you can contact us and we can help get you talking to someone like Social Services who will try and help you

No one cares that I’ve run away – there’s no one to get a message to. Can you still help?

Yes. We care and will help you. We can find someone for you to talk to, signpost you to the right people or just listen

Missing People Website