Guest blog: Susannah Drury from Missing People

As Christmas Day approaches, we welcome a guest blog from Missing People’s Director of Policy and Development Susannah Drury.

Susannah joined Missing People in 2013 and leads the Policy and Research Team who help missing people and their families get the support they need from UK governments, the police and other agencies.

She talks us through the support that Missing People provide.

This is a difficult time of year for anyone with a missing relative.

It feels as if everybody is getting together with their loved ones, and it makes families even more aware of the empty place at the table.

It is also a hard time for people who are missing or thinking of going missing, with many struggling with financial problems or mental health issues, who will also be feeling lost and isolated.

At this time of year, people need support more than ever. In Scotland in 2017/2018, the police undertook 22,966 missing investigations, and more than 12,462 people went missing, an increase of 922 on 2016/2017.

The Scottish Government helps to fund our helplines in Scotland to make sure our team is there day or night.

This year Missing People has been part of the team implementing the National Missing Persons Framework (NMPF) with the Scottish Government.

The Framework sets out the roles and responsibilities of agencies, so that they can work effectively together to provide appropriate help for vulnerable missing people and their families.

Emma Simpson-Faichney, Missing People’s National Coordinator, is responsible for mapping and sharing good practice in responding to missing people across Scotland, to help ensure the Framework is implemented.

The year finished with the annual Missing People carol service at St Andrews and St George’s Church West in Edinburgh – where we were grateful for the support of Community Safety Minister, Ash Denham MP and representatives of Police Scotland.

Missing People provides 24/7 advice and support for children and adults who are missing, or are thinking about going missing, and for the families left behind.

Support is free to access by phone or text on 116 000, and online via www.missingpeople.org.uk

 

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