We are looking for people with lived experience of going missing* while experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to complete our survey. For more information about the research project, including how to take part, please read on.
The purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of people who have been missing while having suicidal thoughts or feelings so that we can better advocate on behalf of people who go missing while suicidal, and to ensure our own services are best meeting their needs.
We will publish a report with a view to improving people’s understanding of the links between missing and suicidality, and the unique challenges faced by people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings before, during, and after a missing episode.
Through this research, we hope to influence the policies and practices of key agencies and groups involved when someone goes missing to ensure that the needs of people who go missing (or who might go missing) are being met, that they can access the support they need, and that their safety is prioritised.
We are using online surveys and interviews to collect the views and experiences of people who have been missing while suicidal.
We would like to hear from you if:
We would like to hear from you via our lived experience survey to better understand your views and experiences.
The survey should take around 15-30 minutes to complete. Responses to the survey are anonymous, strictly confidential, and will be stored securely and only accessible by the research team at Missing People. You will not be identifiable in any internal or external report based on responses to this survey.
This survey is only for those who have historic experience of being missing or running away while experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings. If you are currently missing or experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings then unfortunately you are not eligible to take part.
This survey will ask you a range of questions exploring:
Please note that many questions in this survey ask about topics that could potentially be triggering. Apart from the initial three questions, you will be given the option to skip any questions that you might find triggering or that may cause you any distress. You can also close the survey window altogether if you do not wish to continue with the survey.
Missing People is a lifeline when someone disappears. We provide support for anyone affected by missing, including through our free, confidential helpline. You can contact Missing People via phone or text on 116 000, or e-mail 116000@missingpeople.org.uk.
Samaritans is there, whatever you are going through. You can call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. We won’t judge you or tell you what to do, we’ll listen to you.
*By ‘missing’ or ‘run away’, we mean leaving where you are living or staying, or any other place you are expected to be, without telling or being able to tell other people where you have gone and your whereabouts are unknown to others for any length of time. That could be anything from a few hours to several days, months or years. This typically involves someone being reported to the police as a missing person, but it can also include situations where the person was not reported missing. This might otherwise be described as ‘going away’, ‘disappearing,’ ‘going absent,’ ‘taking time out’ or something else, and you may not have thought of yourself as “missing”. This might also include when someone or multiple people do know where you are, but others do not, e.g. your parents may not have known where you were, but some friends did.
By joining the community, you will help us to be there online and in your local community. You will be sent emails to safely share appeals for people who are missing. It is free to join and you can unsubscribe at any time.
