Tony Blair this week launched a new offensive to combat the problem of children who run away from home or care.

One of the projects commended in the Government report on runaways was Astra in Gloucester. Dennis Apperly traces the success of the scheme which rose from the ashes of one of the city's most notorious and horrific murder cases. .

The memory of Fred and Rosemary West cast a grim shadow over Gloucester in the early 1990s, a shadow which threatened to darken the city and its people for many years to come. The name of this evil couple, who sought out and enticed vulnerable young girls back to their

House of horrors - 25 Cromwell Street

Cromwell Street lair where they abused, tortured and killed them, became synonymous with the word Gloucester itself.

Visitors, who flocked to the city from all over the world, made a beeline for the infamous street.

Fred and Rosemary West equalled the House of Horrors, equalled Gloucester.

An inevitable, if distorted, equation.

When the blinding glare of publicity faded and city life returned to normal, local agencies, not least of all the police, had to face an unpalatable fact.

Many of the Wests' victims had run away from home and perhaps felt alone and rejected until they were "befriended" by the murderous pair.

And so, largely due to the vision and determination of Chief Inspector Bill Gaskins of Gloucestershire Constabulary in 1995, Astra (Alternative Solutions To Running Away) rose Phoenix-like from the ashes of 25 Cromwell Street.

Initially funded as an experiment by social services, the police, Gloucestershire youth and community service, Gloucestershire Forum for Young Single Homeless (GLOFYSH), the Children's Society and Gloucestershire Health Authority, co-ordinator Keith Harrison and his two fellow project workers soon turned that vision into a successful reality.

At long last, troubled, frightened, frustrated and abused, Gloucester kids found that they had a lifeline - there were adults out there in an often lonely and confused world who actually listened to them.

And that, according to 29-year-old Keith was invariably all they wanted, all they needed.

"When runaways are referred to us we listen to what they have to say," said Keith, a gentle and compassionate man and father of two-month-old Oliver.

"We always take them seriously and encourage them to make decisions. The policy is to support them to resolve the problems which cause them to run away."

Keith pointed out that few young people ran away because they really wanted to: "In a majority of cases a young person who runs away feels that adults don't care, don't listen or don't understand."

In certain cases other support services such as GLOFYSH were contacted to provide accommodation if required.

Keith stressed that Astra was there for the runaways and not for their parents: "We don't ever want the young people to think we are siding with the parents. We can always liaise with other agencies such as social services if there is a problem with parents."

A majority of referrals to Astra are made by the police.

"A great deal of credit for our success must go to Chief Inspector Bill Gaskins, who has always been the driving force on the steering group," said Keith. "He is aware that teenagers need a specific approach and has had his eye on the ball from the start."

Keith Harrison - there for runaways

Mike Harris, of Wellington Street-based GLOFYSH, another referring agency, said: "Astra project workers visit us on a regular weekly basis and talk to young people who might be contemplating running away.

"Astra does a great job and it is absolutely brilliant news they have got extra funding to expand."

Besides the planned countywide expansion, Astra is being held up by the Government as a worthy candidate for nationwide growth.

"Representatives from Tony Blair's Social Exclusion Unit paid us a fact-finding visit so the future sounds very exciting," said Keith.

Astra Case Study

A survivor of sexual abuse, 15-year-old Tracy had become a serial runaway, being reported missing to police on several occasions over a short period of time.

The Gloucester teenager was missing for two weeks when the city's policecontacted Astra.

Tracy's relationship with her mother who, on her own admission had "given up trying to cope with her", had broken down. there were interminable arguments.

The main cause for concern was that Tracy was finding it increasingly difficult to establish appropriate relationships with boys her own age and older men.

An Astra project worker was able to find Tracy who was staying with friends in a squalid city flat with no heat or electricity.

She hadn't eaten or washed properly for four days.

The project worker encouraged Tracy to accept support and talk to social services who arranged emergency accommodation which led to a long-term foster placement.

"Astra maintainted contact with racy throughout this process and we are still in contact with her," said Keith. "She is currently trying to get back into school to complete her GCSEs."

See also

Blair to tackle runaway problem