A Youth Housing Project has been set up in the island

The woman, who did not want to be named, slept in public toilets, phone boxes and rubbish skips from the age of 12.

She said homelessness among young people was a big problem in the island and one many islanders did not want to acknowledge.

But Children Board president, Deputy Jean Pritchard, said news that teenagers were sleeping rough in the island was not surprising.

The young woman said: "I found myself in a situation I couldn't cope with both mentally and physically.

We don't like to think of any of our young people experiencing these difficulties Deputy Jean Pritchard, Children Board president

"I was running away all the time and trying to find places to live.

"Being out in the open and knowing there is no-one around to look after you is very scary.

"Having nowhere to go brings big insecurities. You just don't know what your next move is."

The young woman said a lot of islanders did not realise the extent of the problem.

Worrying problem

"It's brushed under the carpet as if it isn't the big issue that it is.

"I don't think they really have the facilities to deal with it, but it is damaging to your future."

Deputy Pritchard said homelessness among teenagers was a worrying problem in Guernsey.

She said she was concerned that anyone camping out in public toilets or rubbish skips was at an increased risk of violence and abuse.

"We don't like to think of any of our young people experiencing these difficulties," she said.