Services that can help

We know that life can be really difficult, and sometimes things get so much that the only option is to leave home or run away.

There are lots of services that can help with different issues you are facing; things like your physical or mental health, home situation and different pressures and stresses. Below you’ll find information and links to services that can give specialist help, advice or support with issues that often affect people who are missing, away from home or have come home and still need help. Each organisation has more information about how to get help on its website.

If you are under 25, you can also visit our Runaway Helpline website for more information and advice about issues you might be facing.

Mental Health

A number of mental health issues, including depression, may have led you to leave, or consider leaving, your family and friends. Speak to your GP about the options open to you, or use one of the links below for other services.

NHS Choices

An extensive list of organisations that can provide you with support and resources to overcome difficulties.

www.nhs.uk

Samaritans

Confidential, emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings.

www.samaritans.org

SANEline

A national, out-of-hours helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

www.sane.org.uk

CALM

Campaign Against Living Miserably. Reducing the high suicide rate amongst men under 35, targeting young men with a helpline, magazine and online community.

www.thecalmzone.net

SHOUT

UK’s first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support.

www.giveusashout.org

Papyrus HOPELINK

A helpline for people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone else who is.

www.papyrus-uk.org

Money and debt

If you have left or are thinking of leaving due to debts or other financial problems there are a number of organisations who will be able to help you free of charge, and provide you with the advice and support you need to find a solution

Citizens Advice Bureau

Providing help with a variety of financial issues. They offer extensive online guidance, face-to-face help at local branches throughout the UK, and telephone support.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange Debt Charity is a charitable organisation which provides debt and money management advice through a free and anonymous service.

www.stepchange.org/

DirectGov

A Government website with practical information on a range of financial topics, including managing money, benefits and debt.

www.directgov.co.uk/

Money Made Clear

This organisation seeks to help with financial matters by giving clear, unbiased financial advice to help people make informed choices.

 

The England Illegal Money Lending Team

This organisation investigates and prosecutes illegal lending and any related activity. They run a 24/7 hour confidential hotline for people to report illegal lending to trained investigators.

www.stoploansharks.co.uk

Housing and homelessness

Not having a secure place to stay is very challenging. You may be struggling to find somewhere to stay or not able to stay where you are for much longer. The legal situation around housing is complicated, and it can be hard to find accommodation that works for you.

Shelter

Shelter offer free advice about housing for people who need help, but don’t know where to turn. Contact expert housing advisers either online, or by calling the free national emergency helpline or your local service team.

www.shelter.org.uk

Crisis

Local centres to help with getting out of homelessness.

www.crisis.org.uk

Domestic Abuse

If you are running away from abuse you may consider contacting the police. In addition, the following organisations may be able to provide advice and support.

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

MALE

MALE (Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries) provides a range of services for men experiencing domestic abuse.

www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Relationship problems

If you're having relationship problems at home - either with a partner or other family members - there are organisations that may be able to help.

Relate

Relate offers advice, relationships counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and face-to-face support for individuals and couples with relationship difficulties. Whilst Relate charges for their services, a number of free resources can be downloaded from their website.

www.relate.org.uk

Drug and alcohol dependancy

Problems with drugs and alcohol can lead to people drifting away from family and friends, there are a number of organisations who can provide advice and support if you find yourself in this situation.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

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