Hi there,
Thanks for your letter. It sounds like things are really hard at home if you want to leave your house and I’m really glad you’ve got in touch.
Remember that if things at home ever feel unsafe you can call 999 and ask for the Police to come and make you safe. You could also think about whether there’s somewhere safe you could go, such as to a friend or relative you trust, if you need to get out the house fast.
In your letter you gave me your phone number and asked me to call you. I’ve not printed your number to make sure it’s kept private. The safest way for you to talk to a ChildLine counsellor is for you to phone 0800 1111. The call is free and will not show up on an itemised phone. This means you can choose a time and a place that is best for you, and no one else will know you have phoned ChildLine.
Only Social Services can sort out a foster home for you, but ChildLine can help you think about your options and how you can stay safe, including helping you get in touch with Social Services if that’s what you’d like to do.
If Social Services have worked with your family before and you feel like you would like to talk to them about what’s going on at the moment, it’s ok for you to contact them. School can also help you to get in touch with them, so you might want to think about whether there is a member of staff there who you feel comfortable speaking with.
It’s really brave to speak out when things are difficult at home so well done, you have a right to feel safe. We’re always here to listen and talk things through with you, so you might want to get in touch with us for a 1-2-1 chat online, or give us a call on 0800 1111. We won’t tell anyone what you say unless you want us to or someone’s in life threatening danger.
Take care,
Sam