London's runaway children need your help

For more information on this article and campaign, please contact Keith Francis, Director of New Business on 020 8780 7800.

14 December 2007

One of the services featured in St Christopher’s 180 Degree Appeal animations – and one of the recipients of the funds raised by the appeal over the Christmas period – is the London Refuge for Runaway Children.

Roy O’Shaughnessy, Director of Development at St Christopher’s says,
“Of the 100,000 children under the age of 16 who run away each year, 15,000 are thrown out by parents who abuse, neglect and reject them. It is illegal in the UK for hostels to allow children of this age to stay without permission of their parents. For many, dedicated refuges are the only safe place that they can turn to.”

“St Christopher’s runs the only such refuge in the UK, with a total of six beds. We receive children from across the UK. However, there is currently not capacity for all of the admission requests received, and an urgent need for more beds to provide a safe haven.”

Of the young people staying at the St Christopher’s Refuge, almost 60 per cent of children have run away as a result of conflict with family members. 75 per cent are girls below the age of 16.

Upon admission to the Refuge, children are referred to a doctor if necessary and their needs assessed, paying particular attention to issues of abuse. Parents are informed that their child is safe, but the address is kept confidential.

One of the short films in the campaign, Flo’s story, is a real account of a girl who ran away and found help at the Refuge.

“These animations have allowed us to let the young people talk about their experiences themselves, bringing the challenges they face to life for other people,” adds Roy O’Shaughnessy.

The message is simple. We are appealing for people to donate and support our efforts to help the 100,000 children who run away every year.

Click here to donate now