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Young People in Scotland

Young people in Scotland twice as likely to run away compared to rest of UK

Figures released by the helpline Get Connected today showed that young people in Scotland are almost twice as likely to call the helpline because they are thinking of running away, than young people in the rest of the UK. 18% of all calls from Scotland are from young people wanting to talk about running away, compared to only 10% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The national helpline Get Connected is responding to these figures by launching a marketing campaign to increase both use and awareness of the service among young people in Scotland.

A major element of the campaign will involve information being distributed by employees throughout all 28 Carphone Warehouse stores in Scotland.  The mobile phone retailer is the major supporter of the charity.

Recent research indicated that only 1 in 15 Scottish young people are aware of Get Connected, compared to an average of 1 in 7 in other areas of the UK. However, further statistics suggest that young people in Scotland may have a greater need for this unique service:

• The suicide rate is twice as high in Scotland as that in England and Wales.
• 9,000 under 16 years old run away every year in Scotland; 1 in 8 of these young people report abuse or assault while they are away from home.
• It is estimated that up to 14% of single homeless people in London are Scottish, although only 9% of the UK population are Scottish. Family and drug problems are the main reasons these young Scots give for leaving home.

Justin Irwin, Director of the Charity said:

“Although we are a UK wide service we know that the charity is not as well known in Scotland as in other parts of England and Wales.  Last year over 10,000 young people contacted Get Connected, 7% calling from Scotland. This year we hope to increase that figure to over 9%.

As well as carrying out targeted advertising on radio and bus tickets, we are also using our partnership with the Carphone Warehouse to help reach more vulnerable young people. With their help, we hope to reach as many vulnerable young people as possible.”

Get Connected is a unique helpline finding young people the best help whatever their problem. This can range from national telephone helplines to local advice centres. Get Connected has details of over 1,100 agencies in Scotland that can offer help. Staffed by volunteers, the helpline can either provide a free connection directly to a third party, give callers relevant information to use when they wish, or text them details directly to their mobile phone.

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PLEASE PUBLICISE THE HELPLINE NUMBER – 0808 808 4994

Notes to editors:

1. The vision of Get Connected is that every young person in the UK can find the help they need to support their physical and emotional well-being. Launched in February 1999, as part of The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Get Connected became an independent charity in August 2000, and began a unique partnership with The Carphone Warehouse in September 2001.
2. Get Connected helpline is open from 1pm – 11pm 365 days a year, and is staffed by approximately 50 volunteers, two-thirds of whom are under 30
3. The advertising campaign consists of radio ads on Beat 106, Tay FM, Northsound and Moray Firth, ads on bus tickets in Edinburgh, and materials displayed and distributed in 28 Carphone Warehouse stores throughout Scotland.  To back up the campaign all secondary schools and colleges have been sent publicity materials to display as appropriate
4. Suicide statistics: ‘The Sorrows of Young Men: Exploring the Increasing Risk of Suicide', Edinburgh University cited in The Scotsman, 2000, runaways statistics: ^Scottish Executive Homeless Task Force Information Paper, 2001, homeless statistics: Researchers, Glasgow University, 2000.
5. Available for interview: Justin Irwin, Director, Get Connected, 020 8896 4774,