Missing people

Are you looking for missing relatives?

If you want to trace a missing relative who you have lost contact with, either recently or in the distant past, you should be aware that this may be a frustrating and emotional time for both of you. You should talk to your other relatives or friends because they might be able to give you information that can help trace your missing relative.

Are you a young person who has run away?

If you are under 18 and have run away from home or care, or have been forced to leave home, you might want some help or want to contact someone in your family?

Who can help?

Whether you are wanting to trace relatives or have run away yourself there are various organisations that can help you. Once contact has been made the first aim is to open up a means of communication between you both. Below are just a few organisations that may be able to help you:

Missing People (formerly the National Missing Persons Helpline) – A UK charity dedicated to helping missing people and supporting their families while they wait for news. If you wish to call home, get information about a missing person, or are concerned about a missing friend or relative then call them on 0500 700 700.

Salvation Army Family Tracing Services – This service aims to restore (or to sustain) family relationships by tracing relatives with whom contact has been lost. Call them on 0845 634 4747.

Runaway Helpline – A confidential helpline dedicated to children and young people under the age of 18 who have run away from home or care, or who have been forced to leave home. The helpline offers advice and information to support and enable you to make a decision about what you want to do next. Call them on 0808 800 70 70.