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Family support

It's a difficult and unique experience when someone goes missing. We're here for everyone affected.

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What is this service?

We’ve been supporting families and friends of missing people for over 25 years. We understand the challenges and emotions that you face. For some, this lasts for hours. For others, much longer.

When  someone you know goes missing, it can be the beginning of an emotional rollercoaster. You could be feeling all sorts of emotions right now, including sadness, loss, guilt or anger. You might move quickly from one emotion to another, or have lots of feelings at once, leaving you feeling confused and emotionally vulnerable.

We are here to try and help you and your family make sense of your feelings. Whatever you are feeling right now, you’re not alone. We are here to support you today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes, until your loved one has returned.

Family Support service

Alongside our helpline team, we have a few dedicated specialists who deal specifically with those who are affected by someone going missing.

You may have used our helpline, and feel as though you have received the support you needed. However, if you need more support, we can work with you longer term; for however long you need us. We can talk this through, and work out the best way to support you.

How we can help

We will begin with a conversation with you to better understand how we can tailor your ongoing support and keep your needs in the centre.

Whatever stage you are at in your journey, we can support you via:

  • Practical guidance on how to publicise your missing loved one

  • Emotional support to talk about your experience

  • Advocacy and referrals into additional services, such as counselling.

If you haven’t already been asked if you would like a Family Support Worker, or you feel you could benefit from speaking to the same person regularly, please let us know.

If someone in your family already has a Family Support Worker, you are also able to have your own support. You may want to speak to the same person, or you may find it more helpful to have someone different. Everything you talk about will be confidential; we never share what one family member has said to us, with anyone else.

Emotional help for families

We're here to help you cope with the emotional impacts and experiences of missing someone.

Practical help for families

There can be a lot to do and understand when someone goes missing. We can help guide you through.

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What people say

Always a friendly and supportive response and happy to chat, offer advice or follow up actions on your behalf.

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