Why?
The aim of The Big Sleep Out is to raise money for Talk..Don’t Walk which provides support to young runaways and their families. We provide this service within Warrington but with the support of fundraising, this service could be made available more widely.
We are asking those who take part in The Big Sleep Out to find sponsorship from friends, family or whoever. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of trying to raise £100,000 by 2010. That is only £1.00 for every child that runs away from home each year.
Could you help us to achieve this?
I didn't know I could get help, I was at my lowest point, I didn't know what I could do to stop my daughter from running, I just wanted her home and safe.Parent of 15 year old
Imagine what we could do?
Since April 2004, Talk..Don't Walk has reduced the number of runaways in Warrington by 76%, with over 100,000 children running away each. Can you imagine what we could achieve with your support.
Here are some reasons why you should participate:
- Each year it is estimated that 100,000 young people run away from home or care each year, citing reasons such as abuse, neglect and violence.
- 4 in 10 homeless girls have become homeless because of sexual abuse.
- 90% of young people on the streets end up taking some form of drug.
- It is estimated that there are as many as 5000 underage girls who are sexuallyexploited through prostitution in Britain, most of whom will be or have been runaways.
- Runaways under 16 are 5 times more likely to have problems with drugs and 3 times more likely to be in trouble with the police.
- Research indicates that running away Is linked with truancy and exclusion from school.
- Runaways face immediate danger (however research indicates that this is underreported):
- 25% of runaways sleep rough
- 13% are physically hurt
- 8% are sexually assaulted
