Young runaway service launched

Sussex Police, the East Sussex Local Safeguarding Children's Board and young people's charity 'Catch 22' celebrated the launch of the new project at Eastbourne's Elim Family Centre.

The service will use volunteers to work with young people, their families and other professionals to address why they run away, and build supportive strategies to reduce the number of incidents.

Investing time in mentoring young people and working with families has proven effective in reducing the amount of missing episodes among young people.

Tracy Keane, of Catch 22, East Sussex Appropriate Adult and Mentoring Service, said:

"We are delighted with how the launch went. It was the right forum to inform partners about how the scheme will work.

"A co-ordinator will support and supervise volunteers, working on a rota-basis between 8am and 2am, they will assist the police with return home interviews and be available to offer on-going support to young people for as long as they need it".

Matt Dunkley, Chair of the East Sussex Local Safeguarding Board, added: "Runaways are some of our most vulnerable young people. This is a great example of how police, Children's Services and the voluntary sector, can work together to make those young people safer.

"It is dealing with the causes of their problems, not just the symptoms."

East Sussex Policing Commander, Chief superintendent Robin Smith, said:

"The service is the first of its kind pro-actively tackling the reasons why a young person has run away. Working together is the key to safeguarding young people in this situation."

For further information about the service and volunteering opportunities, contact the service manager on (01323) 466635,

email: [email protected], or visit the website at:www.catch-22.org.uk.