CORA: Hi, I'm Cora
AMY: And I'm Amy from the Runaway Helpline
CORA: And today we're talking about running away
CORA: So there are lots of different reasons that young people might run away, can you
tell us a few of them?
AMY: There could be things happening at home, there could be something that's more of a
pull factor - maybe you running away to someone or somewhere, it might just be that there's
issues at school, um that there's perhaps bullying involved, there could really be hundreds
of different reasons why someone may think running away is their option.
I should point out as well that although we refer to things as running away from home,
um you know, home can mean lots of different things to different people. And home isn't
always the safest place. You know, we wouldn't advocate that everyone has to stay at home,
that may not be what's safe for them, but it' about trying to get that support and reaching
out before you put yourself in a vulnerable situation, and if you are currently away,
to make sure you keep yourself safe while you are away
CORA: So when you get phone calls from young people who've run away, what are the kinds
of situations that they've found themselves in
AMY: there could be many different situations soo someone may have run away and perhaps
it might have been a spur of the moment decision so they could be calling in, and literally
be sat in the middle of a park and really have no idea what to do, they might not have
brought anything with them, and they're very much at a loss of what their next steps are
and how to stay safe. Um, they could perhaps of run somewhere, and that may not also be
a safe place to be, or they might even be thinking of running away, and they haven't
actually left yet.
CORA: So if somebody does choose to run away, what kinds of things could they do to make
sure they're staying safe?
AMY: It's important to reach out for help and there are lots of different agencies out
there who will be supportive and will give you information and advise on how to stay
safe while you are actually away from home. In respect to things you can bring, sometimes
if you are planning on running away, and sometimes that may be the only option for you, then
it's important to make sure you bring things like warm clothes, if it's cold, um if you
have it maybe even a sleeping bag if you're gonna stay on a friend's floor or something
to ensure that you've got somewhere reasonably comfortable to sleep. Remember your phone
charger, something to eat, some money, a way of getting around - so if you live in cities
and towns you may have a bus pass or oyster card or something like that. Insure that you
are able to get yourself somewhere safe, and ideally if youget a chance, maybe go on the
internet and look up some different agencies that can support you that you can call while
you're away from home.
CORA: Mhm, and you mentioned about finding somewhere safe to stay - what kind of places
would be safe?
AMY: That would depend on your situation. If you're already away from home, think of
somewhere that's busy but safe. So if it's the middle of the night, for example there
might be a 24/7 supermarket or something. Or ideally maybe a police station. Or an A+E
department, somewhere where there will be someone who can help keep you safe whether
that's a security guard, or perhaps other agencies so police officers and people like
that who you may not necessarily want to approach. But you know just them being around is gonna
help to keep you safe.
CORA: You said about the police - would you be in trouble with the police if you run away?
AMY: No, um if someone runs away from home the police just want to know that you're ok.
They're not there to arrest you they're not there to drag you anywhere, but they do need
to make sure that you are OK
CORA: So if you do run away, it can be a kind of dangerous situation. What sare some of
the things you can look out for?
AMY: Yes. Being away from home itself can make you vulnerable. To other people who will
make the most of that situation. So you know, try and avoid doing things like hitch-hiking,
f strange people approach you they may seem really friendly but that's not to say that
they will be. Maybe approach people who would be there to safeguard you so, police officers,
and stuff like that. Be ver careful about where you stay - if you do have a friend or
family member, make sure that they are someone hat you trust, that you know very well and
again if at any point you're ever scared there are lots of agencies out there that can support
you pretty much 24 hours a day. So even if you get somewhere and you're like wow, this
is not a good idea, I shouldn't be here I don't feel safe. I don't feel like I can trust
this person, then reach out and get some help
CORA: Thank you so much for coming in today and talking to us and thank you to runaway
helpline as well.
CORA: and we'll see you next time -bye!