Missing People

Every year about 250,000 people go missing in Britain, 140,000 of whom are under the age of 16. For family members left behind, life becomes almost unbearable, with the agony of not knowing whether a loved one is dead or alive.

Missing People is a lifeline for families when a loved one disappears and the only nationwide charity offering such specialist support. The charity runs a 24/7 helpline and text service and also operates a dedicated confidential runaway helpline for young people who are missing or thinking of leaving home.

As well as providing a liaison between families and the police, Missing People also assigns support workers to vulnerable families and offers practical help such as how to handle the finances of a missing person to stop them falling into debt.

Last year, Missing People directly helped more than 10,000 people who were affected by a disappearance, including 3,500 families, and 6,500 vulnerable adults, children and young people.