Imagine what it would be like if you had to sleep on the streets of Newcastle tonight.

Would you feel safe?

Would you know where to turn?

Would you know who to trust and who not to?

Now imagine all of that and only being 14 years old.

Claire was just 14 years old when she ran away from home. That’s when The Children's Society stepped in to help.

“Something bad happened to me. I drank to forget and I ran away to start again. The Children’s Society helped me to talk about what happened. Now I’m back at school and I’m getting good grades. “
Claire.

It’s shocking to know that on average a quarter of first time runaways are under 11 years old. One in six will sleep rough; others will take the risk of staying with a stranger. One in every 12 will be hurt or harmed. That’s why we are so grateful that Metro Radio and the people of the North East are supporting our local work through the Metro Radio Cash for Kids Machu Picchu Inka Trail challenge.

Please get involved to help improve the lives of other local children like Claire. You can either sign up for the trek yourself; sponsor someone who is; or simply tell everyone you know about what’s going on to raise the profile of the campaign in the area.

Together, we can ensure that more children like Claire have the safe and happy childhood that all children deserve.

About The Children's Society’s work in the local area

In the centre of Newcastle The Children's Society’s SCARPA project helps young runaways stay safe and free from danger when living on the streets.

At any one time 20 young people are being supported by this project. We help vulnerable children feel safe, and we help them to gain the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around.

For some children running away from home can feel like it is the only option available to them.  Yet we know that they can often face even greater danger living on the streets. Whatever their reason, The Children's Society is there for them. Our dedicated team in Newcastle provide a full range of services for young people who need our help, and this includes:
 
• A place where they can feel safe and warm
• Individual counselling and support
• Group support and drop-in services
• Family support and parenting sessions, to try to bring families back together again where it is in the best interest of the child
• Someone they can trust to talk to and who will be there then they need them.

The team also work closely with many partners and charities to ensure that there is a local joined-up approach.  This includes the local Barnardos team as well as Social Service, the police, the health authority and many others Together, we help children like Claire to rebuild their lives and as a result, they are able to fulfil their potential.

For more information on The Children's Society please visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk