Missing People is the UK's only charity that works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people, their families and others who care for them. As well as actively searching for missing people and supporting those who are trying to find them, Missing People offers three other services: Runaway Helpline, Message Home and Identification.
Runaway Helpline is a 24 hour confidential helpline for runaways, offering help and advice to young people who have run away from home or care, or who have been forced to leave. Runaway Helpline offers a Freefone number and email service for young people seeking confidential help and advice.
Message Home is a unique confidential service offering help, advice and support to adults who are missing. Message Home is a 24 hour Freefone service that helps people contact their family or carers via a message or three-way call. Identification is a specialist service to support police, coroners, hospitals and social services to resolve cases of unidentified people (alive or dead).
Advice to Family and Friends
The majority of persons reported missing return soon after their disappearance without suffering any harm. Sadly a small percentage will never return or may become a victim of a crime. This is an extremely distressing experience for family and friends and not knowing what has happened can be particularly difficult.
It can also be confusing for friends and families to know where to turn to for help. In some cases the Police will assist if there is concern that the person may have come to harm, is vulnerable or may have been the victim of a crime. In other cases, it is more appropriate for charities such as 'Missing People' or tracing agencies to provide support and assistance.
When a friend or relative goes absent, you should always inform the police if this behaviour is 'out of character' and it is difficult to give a rational explanation for why they have gone missing. You should also contact the police if the person is unable to safely look after themselves or if they may harm another person. Ring 0845 6060606.
If you have simply lost contact with a friend or relative because they have changed their address without leaving a forwarding address or they have deliberately left home and are capable of looking after themselves, you should contact 'Missing People' who will be able to provide support, advice and practical help at this difficult time.
Advice to Runaways
People run away from home for a number of different reasons. Some run away because they can no longer get on with their families or because they are being bullied or abused. Some run away because they are experiencing problems at school or work and cannot cope anymore. Some run away because they have met a new boyfriend or girlfriend who encourages them to leave home.
If you are considering running away then you should seek help before doing so as people who go missing often place themselves at great risks. Many are assaulted, sexually abused or have their possessions stolen from them. Their health can suffer and they can become very ill especially if they are sleeping rough. Many get involved in drugs and prostitution. Your life may feel unbearable now, but running away may make it far worse. If you want to talk to someone about your problems, then contact the Runaways Helpline on 0808 800 7070 before it is too late.
If you have already run away and want to get a message home, ring the 'Missing People Confidential Message Home Service' on Freefone 0800 700 740.
Current West Yorkshire Missing People
West Yorkshire's Missing People appeals are publicised by the Press Office and so appear within the press releases section of the website alternatively use the search facility at the top of every page and search for the keyword "Missing".
Useful Links
Disclaimer
Please note that by accessing external links you will be leave the West Yorkshire Police website. West Yorkshire Police are not responsible for the quality, accuracy or content of external websites.