Why does the Church in Onehouse support this charity? Because the Children's Society has launched a 'Safe and Sound' Campaign.

Some facts to explain why.

• Every year in the U.K. about 100,000 children under 16 years old run away from home.
• Of these 1/4 are under the age of 11.
• The main causes are poor family relationships and physical abuse.
• Young runaways come from all areas in the country and all parts of society. Children from ethnic groups are less likely to run away.
• A quarter of those who run away end up sleeping rough. 13% are physically hurt and 8% have been sexually assaulted.
• One in 14 of them survives by stealing, begging or drug dealing.
• Young 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 than those in settled homes.

These are all shocking statistics!

We are not in a position to judge why this happens - but the Children's Society is trying to make sure that these children are found and get the support they need.

What needs to be done now?

The government has recommended that local authorities provide support in some way, but there needs to be a network of safe emergency accommodation - everything from a room or refuge to carers and trained foster carers.

Are local authorities doing this?

Some are - some are not. Changes need to be made but change takes time - change takes money - change takes training.

The longer children are on our streets, the more at risk they are. You only have to read newspapers or watch the TV news to get some idea of what lies out there in our modern society. What dangers there are on our streets. How would.you feel if it happened in your family?

• We can pray that it never happens to us.
• We can support those who are tackling the problem.
• We can sign a petition - which is going to the Prime Minister.
• We can take a Children's Society collecting box - available from Anne Moore.

The Children's Society 'Big Bag Appeal'

This is a very important part of the 'SAFE and SOUND' plan mentioned above.

When children runaway from home they nearly always go with only the clothes they are wearing at the time - so they are found with literally nothing.

The Children's Society has put together a 'BIG BAG' which is handed over immediately. What's in it?

A variety of goods that would make a young person feel better about themselves e.g. warm jumper, socks, new underwear, chocolate, toiletries, a lipstick for a lass, a bright scarf, reading material, etc. This bag is theirs to keep. It gives them a sense of value.

The bag costs £20 - that's not much is it?

At the end of the Christingle Service we asked that as folk were leaving they left a small donation. Lo and behold, when we went to look - there was £20!

So at least there is a Onehouse 'BIG BAG' somewhere!