Leaving home can feel overwhelming
You might be scared, confused, or unsure what comes next. We’re here to help you explore your options and stay safe—on your terms.
There are many reasons why someone might feel like leaving:
- Home isn’t safe or supportive
- You’ve had enough of school, where you live, or your family and friends
- Someone is hurting or threatening you
- You just need some space
- You’re trying to escape stress, arguments or pressure
- Maybe you’re involved in something that you want to remove yourself from
Leaving home without a plan can be dangerous. Young people have shared experiences such as:
- Getting cold or ill (e.g. hypothermia, pneumonia)
- Going hungry and becoming sick
- Breaking the law or doing things they don’t want to do, in order to survive
- Being attacked or used by someone else
- Being misled or harmed by someone they met online
- Feeling lonely with no one to talk to
Tips for someone thinking of leaving
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Talk to someone you trust, even if you don’t want to share everything
This could be us, or a teacher, a social worker, or a family member. Letting someone know you are struggling or in a bad way is a good place to start.
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Think about your safety
Make a safety plan and consider where might be a safe place to go. Read our advice for being away here.
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If you’re under 18, you have the right to be safe and supported
Whether you’re at home, in care, or somewhere else. You can ask for help from social services, advocates, or youth workers. We can help you figure out who to talk to, and what to say.
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Needing to leave because someone is hurting you
If you need to leave because someone is hurting you, whoever it is, letting the police know is an option. If you feel like you can’t contact the police directly, we can set up a three way call and stay on the line when you talk to them. Your call can’t be traced because you called us first.
If you’ve already left, you still have options
You’re not alone
I felt targeted after coming out
I felt like leaving a toxic environment
I was about to leave home for good
How SafeCall can help
If you’re thinking about leaving, SafeCall can support you by helping you:
- Talk through what’s going on
- Understand the risks and how to protect yourself
- Make a safety plan including where might be safe to stay
- Connect you with services that can support
Reach out when you’re ready
You’re in control of the conversation. We won’t judge, and we won’t pressure you. Just confidential support, whenever you’re ready.
Call or text 116 000 for free—even if you have no credit or minutes