After what feels like a lifetime, Missing People were able to host our first hybrid Family Day in 2 years!
For some families, being able to meet us face to face again was such a welcome joy. Others who could not join in person instead joined us via zoom and were equally happy to see our support teams putting together such an inspiring day.
Family Day is an opportunity to build the community of people affected by missing. We invite all those who have experienced a loved one going missing. Whether your loved one is currently missing, no longer missing, or ongoing with repeat missing episodes, this day is for you. We use the term ‘family’ to describe all of those affected by missing. This can also be a close friend or colleague as well as a family member. We always have a program of activities throughout the day which we create with families, for families.
The theme of this year’s Family Day was ‘Remembering,’ and helping families to find different ways of sharing their experience of missing. Activities included coming together in small groups to share memories, learning about podcasts, hearing other families’ stories, finding expression through creative writing, and taking part in our sewing workshops, co-facilitated by families and staff. We were able to offer something for everyone.
At the sewing workshop, participants created something tangible to take home with them. Another gentle way to start the conversation about their missing loved one.
The Missing People choir also performed, and our choir director, Nina, held a choir workshop in the afternoon so family members could participate and sing along.
After that, there was a period of calm for those who wished to try some yoga. The class was offered via zoom by yoga teacher, Emma, who hosts a regular yoga session for families as part of our Online Family Social.
Here is what one of our families had to say about this year’s event:
“I want to say how lovely it all was; friendly people, so nice to meet everyone and so much work put in by you all.”
A huge thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for making this event possible.
We have launched a regular email 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.
