Anna is 17, and came to see us last August. She had been told to leave home by her parents. She had no money and only borrowed clothes. A friend had let her phone around for help, which led her to Alone in London. She arrived at our drop-in in King's Cross hungry, depressed and scared. Anna had been arguing with her parents on and off for the past few years, particularly over times she could come home at night and the friends she saw. Things had escalated until she came home after midnight one night and her father refused to let her in.

After some food and a coffee, Anna began to talk about the arguments with her father. She wanted to let her mother know she was OK, as she was sure she would be worrying. We phoned home on her behalf, in case her father answered.

Her father did answer and was clearly relived she was safe. He put her mother on the phone, who asked if she could come and see her. Anna agreed, and they met together with a family mediator that evening. The meeting was very emotional. She wanted Anna to come home, but Anna felt she needed some time and space to decide what to do.

In the meantime we found her a place in a hostel and the fare to get there. Things were difficult at first, particularly deciding not to return home. We have met with Anna several times, to support her in keeping in touch with her family. She now calls regularly and visits her family at weekends. Anna and her mother visited ALS recently. She has a place in a supported hostel and is much happier in her relationship with her family.