A SERVICE which helps young runaways work out their differences with their families has been awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds in lottery funding.

The Dundee-based Safe and Sound project, run by Shelter Scotland and Relationships Scotland, has already helped over 180 young people and their families since its launch in 2011, backed by the Big Lottery Fund.

Now the fund has awarded the scheme additional funding of £645,709 to develop and expand its work.

Shelter Scotland says young people ran away from home almost 12,000 times in Scotland last year. In many cases they can end up homeless, sleeping rough or 'sofa-surfing'. Research by the charity shows that 84 per cent of today's homeless under 25s ran away at least once before they were 16 years old, compared with an 11 per cent average for young people generally.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "Today's runaways are tomorrow's young homeless people and addressing why children and young people run away is essential.

"We look forward to continuing our work with Relationships Scotland to offer help to those who need it most and, where possible, prevent homelessness by facilitating the safe return of young runaways to their family home."

Stuart Valentine, chief executive of Relationships Scotland, said: "For three years now Safe & Sound has offered family mediation to young people and their families, giving them the opportunity to work through their conflict and strengthen their relationship.

"We're delighted to work with Shelter Scotland in offering this lifeline."

Meanwhile the Big Lottery Fund also announced an £869,000 award to back community justice charity Sacro in addressing domestic abuse.

The organisation will roll out the FearLess project in 18 of Scotland's local authorities combining a helpline with intensive one-to-one support and mentoring for those facing abuse domestic abuse.

Help will be on offer through practical and emotional support covering issues such as accommodation, personal finances, creating a personal safety plan, education, training and employment.

The project will also reach out to those less inclined to come forward and admit they have been abused, including people from ethnic minorities, the gay community and men.

Tom Halpin, chief executive of Sacro, said: "There is a widely held belief that abuse among men and women in LGBT and black or minority ethnic communities is seriously under-reported.

"Survivors of domestic abuse require a wide range of support, not only practical support in regard to having a safe home environment, but emotional support to help them deal with the transition from a fearful existence to one in which they can establish a safe, happy and independent life for themselves and their families."