If the person is a stranger to you and you are not providing support directly to them through your own organisation: You should not approach the person directly but instead report a sighting to our helpline on 116 000. We will discuss what action should be taken and may pass this information to the police.
If you have not had training in safeguarding we don’t recommend you engage with the missing person directly as these conversations can be really difficult.
If you are providing support to the person through your service: You can explain to them that they have been reported missing and discuss their options with them. There is further information about how to have this conversation below.
You can let them know about Missing People and share our contact details. They can call, text or email our helpline for free on 116 000 or at 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. All conversations are confidential, non-judgemental and can be anonymous. You can also direct them to our website www.missingpeople.org.uk where there is lots of advice and guidance for anyone who is missing.
It is possible that the person was missing but has been reported found already – the police simply haven’t told Missing People. If this is the case then do encourage them to contact Missing People so that they can confirm this with the police and get the record corrected.
You are under no obligation to report that you have found someone but if you do want to, you can call 116 000 to report a sighting or provide any information you have. We will pass the information on to the police who may then want to do a safe and well check as outlined above. You can also call us in confidence to talk the situation through before you decide what to do.
Please feel free to ring us on 116000 for any further guidance.
The welfare of the missing person is at the heart of everything we do.
We have launched a new email communication so that you can be aware of new missing person appeals and share them far and wide! We are also calling on all Heroes to be the eyes and ears for Missing People on the ground. Your sighting of a missing person could make a difference in a crucial time.