On 21st February, we visited No.10 Downing Street. This event marked a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to raise awareness about the links between mental health, suicide, exploitation, and the recurring issue of disappearances. The focus was on acknowledging the people, work, and funders actively contributing to the prevention of harm to the 170,000 people reported missing every year in the UK.
We invited individuals with living or lived experience to be ambassadors for the community directly affected and instrumental in driving positive change. The event was a huge success, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring attention to our work on such a prestigious platform.
On Thursday 14th March, we hosted our 11th Night of Light Gala at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The charity raised a staggering £380,486.00 which was achieved through auctions, prize draws and pledges! This is a record-breaking success for us and it significantly exceeded our original target of £334,000.
The host for the evening was Spencer Matthews, who talks about his own experience of missing in his Disney+ documentary ‘Finding Michael’. Sir Trevor McDonald, our long-standing Patron and Monica Dolan joined us too along with 250 of our supporters and donors.
It was an incredible evening enjoyed by all and huge thank you to everyone who supported the event!
For the past few years, we’ve developed a partnership with G4 on their Christmas tour. G4 tour across the UK during November and December performing their hits to get their fans into the festive spirit.
We recruited volunteers to be concert ushers at their nearest G4 tour date. and collect donations at the end of the show. Across the whole tour we had over 200 volunteers (including family members and previous fundraising supporters0 help spread awareness of the charity and raise vital funds for our services.
In total, this event raised around £15,809.
On Monday 11th December 2023, we hosted our annual Evening of Hope. This is a very special evening where we invite families, people who have been missing, supporters, staff and volunteers to come together for a Carol Service at Christmas time.
This year’s service took place at St Mary Abbots Church. We sung carols, watched moving musical performances and listened to readings from those with lived experience. The Missing People Choir performed too!
If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording below.
In November 2023, Missing People were officially invited to an evening reception at St James’ Palace on behalf of our Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO. The event was attended by staff, trustees, and some of the families supported by the charity as a way to recognise Missing People during our 30th anniversary year.
On 17th October, we invited families with missing loved ones to all come together for a special ceremony. This ceremony, which takes places every year, is a chance for families to remember their missing loved ones by tying their messages to our Missing People Memory Tree. It was streamed live on our Facebook for people to show their support for the families.