It can be hard when you’re away from home and away from people you care about. There are times when you might want to make contact with someone you miss to let them know you’re safe or check to see if they’re ok.

Sometimes Runaway Helpline can help by sending a message for you. There are times when we might not be able to do that, like when the person is under 18 or if you are away from care and not allowed contact with that family member. You might be worried about a little brother or sister at home.

Maybe we could send a message to another family member instead or help you speak to an adult you trust, like a teacher or social worker.

You might be living in a placement far away from your family and friends, or maybe you’ve moved to a new area and you’re in a new school and don’t know anyone. Maybe your parents have split up and you miss your mum or your dad because you don’t see them often now. You might be feeling really sad and lonely for someone and wishing you could talk to them. It’s important to know that it’s okay to feel sad and to be missing someone you care about. It’s natural.

Runaway Helpline will always listen. Sometimes it can help just to talk about how you’re feeling – maybe why you’ve left home and who you’ve left behind. You can call us for free on 116 000 at any time of day or night.