Funds Boost Runaway Help Service
A service helping young runaways and their families has received a £645,000 boost from Lottery funds.
Safe & Sound in Dundee has assisted more than 180 young people since its launch in 2011.
The service prevents homelessness where possible by helping them return safely to their family home or get a place of their own.
16-year-old Sinead has experienced first-hand what the service can do and says it has turned her life around.
It is run by Relationships Scotland and Shelter Scotland, who say runaways, whether sleeping rough or "sofa surfing'', are extremely vulnerable.
They welcomed an award of £645,709 from the Big Lottery Fund.
Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown said: "Today's runaways are tomorrow's young homeless people and if we are serious about preventing homelessness then addressing why children and young people run away is essential.
"Safe and Sound has had an invaluable impact on the lives of many young people and their families since its launch, and will continue to do so thanks to this funding from the Big Lottery Fund.''
Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair Maureen McGinn said: "This grant will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish Safe & Sound every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project.''