As a head teacher I came across the RUNA service almost by accident. I had not heard of it before, but when one of my pupils really needed help because life at home had broken down, I was given their contact details. I soon discovered the work they do is incredible and can be life changing. The young man in question – Garry, saw school as kind of bad authority – similar to home and something to run away from. He would go missing for hours at a time, both from home and on occasion during the school day. Then he went missing overnight. He had got in with a crowd who were a bad influence on him and some of this group were older. The police were involved, and it was then that got RUNA involved.

Fortunately, Garry was brought home safely.  RUNA offered to be a listener, a mediator, a problem solver and more than anything, a calm and impartial voice of reason. I saw that they also signpost and act as an important link between the many agencies that work with our most vulnerable young people. We were all pleased that Garry was receptive to their support – and eventually it paid off. I say eventually because of course there are no quick fixes. RUNA provided a mentor who would be there for this young man whenever he needed it and that was for quite some time.

When Garry left school in Year 11, RUNA continued their work with him. I found that their breadth of experience and their ability to engage well with young people was unparalleled.  Because of RUNA’s work within Urban Outreach, they were able to give Garry a glimpse of what his life would be like if he continued down the path he was on – with the risk that he would become just another homeless young person. That, along with other interventions, was enough to change the direction Garry was heading towards – a life on the streets.

I met Garry again in town recently. I was reassured to see he wasn’t begging or selling The Big Issue. He was telling me how he is back at home and at college. This was the best news we all could have wished for.”