Missing Black People

Dominic Norton founded Missing Black People to advocate for more equal responses to missing people from Black communities and publicise their appeals.

Since 2021, we’ve partnered with Missing Black People on a range of campaigns and research specifically linked to the experiences of Black families and missing people.

Missing Black People have worked to drive change in local and national responses while ensuring that the cases of missing Black people get seen and prioritised.

Listen Up Research

Jahnine Davis founded Listen Up, a research organisation that works to highlight the experiences of Black and racialised children in child protection and safeguarding. They lead national discussions on adultification and offer support through research, training, evaluation, and consultation.

We have worked with ListenUp over recent years to publish a range of research into the experiences of Black missing people and their families. This partnership has allowed us to better understand the risks and barriers facing Black communities when someone goes missing.

Evidence Joel

Evidence Joel has been involved with Missing People after her son, Richard Okorogheye, went missing in 2021 and was tragically found deceased 10 days later. Evidence boldly spoke about racism she faced during  the search for Richard.

Evidence has since partnered with Missing People, Missing Black People, and Listen Up to advocate for better police responses to missing ethnic minorities. She has made it her goal to ensure that no other family experiences the same lack of support and urgency that she did.

Research

Together with our partners, we have published research:

The Ethnicity of Missing People

Based on data from police forces and local authorities, this research found that people from minority ethnic groups were missing for longer, less likely to be found by the police, and less likely to be recorded as being at risk, than white people.

We also published two reviews after six months and one year, detailing the change and new research prompted by the report.

“We’re told not to make everything about race, but it is about race.” The experiences of Black missing children and their parents 

This report listened to the voices of children and young people, as well as parents of children who have been missing, to explore Black children and their families’ lived experiences of going missing. The aim was to try to understand better:

1. Why are Black children more likely to go missing than other children?
2. Why are Black children more likely to be missing for longer than other children?
3. What response are Black children and families receiving from professionals, and does this differ from the response other children and families receive?

The key findings from this report were that Black children face higher risks of going missing due to exploitation, identity struggles, and systemic racism. They receive poorer professional responses, less media attention and are often stereotyped when they go missing. There is also a distinct distrust in services like police, which stems from lived experiences of racism and neglect.

Learn more

You can learn more about our research and read the full reports below.

The work that families of missing people, us and our partner organisations are doing has exposed systemic issues in the response to Black missing people. These must be addressed. No one should be left unlooked for, or unsupported, when they go missing or report a loved one missing. We will continue to work alongside those with lived experience to drive change for others in the future.

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Thanks to all those who attended and supported the event, we raised an incredible £349,994.75! 

The evening began with a champagne reception and live entertainment, courtesy of our Corporate Supporters c2c Rail, setting the stage for an evening of connection and inspiration. 

Jo Youle, CEO of Missing People, opened the event with heartfelt remarks, followed by an address from Justin McLaren, Chair of Trustees. then enjoyed a lively game of Heads & Tails, hosted by Chair of the Fundraising Board Mark Pumfrey, with the winner receiving a luxurious one-night stay at the Royal Lancaster. 

A sumptuous three-course dinner was followed by a poignant speech from Sir Stephen Fry, reflecting on the 25th anniversary of his own missing episode. The live auction, led by the brilliant Tom Best, and a new pledge moment, expertly guided by Helplines Manager Martha McBrier, inspired extraordinary generosity. Guests were also treated to a moving rendition of ‘Bring Him Home’ from Missing People Ambassador’s G4. 

We were also thrilled to be joined by Ambassador Monica Dolan and past supporters Rory Underwood and Victor Obugo, as well as new celebrity supporters Rakie Ayola, Amelia Bullmore, Thomas Coombes, Kate Ashfield, and Sam Hoare. 

Thank you

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, from our Corporate Supporters c2c Rail to our talented photographer Danny Loo, videographer Ewan Michael Riley, and live entertainment Soul75.  

As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we look forward to making the Night of Light Gala 2026 even more impactful. Together, we can be there for anyone affected by a disappearance – no matter what.  

If you’d like to support the Night of Light Gala 2026, please get in contact at gala@missingpeople.org.uk.  

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This year, we spoke to Gabriella, our Publicity Admin Volunteer about the work she does for the charity, why she volunteers, and what she enjoys about volunteering.

When did you first begin volunteering at Missing People, and what made you initially decide to support the charity?

I was aware of the charity during my time of studying but did not have the time to commit to any opportunities due to family and work commitments. However, one day when I looked on the website for volunteer opportunities after graduating in Forensic Science, I was delighted that there was a volunteer opportunity to be a Publicity Administrator and so I applied. Upon researching the Missing People Charity further I was amazed at the great work that goes on behind the scenes – not only the preventative measures but also the support that they offer to families and friends of the missing during this difficult times.

What is your role in the organisation now?

I am a publicity administrator volunteer and absolutely love what I do. I come into the office once a week (or more). The day starts with a quick meeting with the Publicity Officer. We discuss and update cases – if there any leads on the missing people we currently have on file, if further publicity is needed and what kind of publicity would be most appropriate.

My role is to assign publicity to cases because of an upcoming anniversary (the day the missing person was last seen), their birthday, location or urgent appeals as well as supporting the needs of the police and families.

The charity partners with well known companies that really have helped to assist in some of our missing people cases resulting in people being reunited with their loved ones; they include Trainline App, The Big Issue magazine, The Royal Mail, JCDecaux digital billboards, Daily Mirror and more.

What made you want to volunteer?

I have experienced a missing loved one. Although it was only for a short period, it was one of the most stressful and emotional periods of my life. Knowing what it feels like to be in that situation, I wanted to be able to offer support to others.

Missing People provide care, comfort and assist families in the long term as well as referring people to external services, I am proud to have played a small part as a volunteer.

How has your experience been volunteering at Missing People?

It has been rewarding, fantastic and an absolute pleasure! I have really been embraced by the whole organisation – everyone is invested and passionate about their role within the charity. As much as there has been some sad moments surrounding some of the missing person cases that I have worked on, there have been some wonderful ones where a loved one has been reunited with their family and found safe and well.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering for Missing People, please see the volunteering roles we currently have available at the link below, or register your interest in volunteering if none of our current vacancies are of interest to you.

The post Volunteer Spotlight – Gabriella, Publicity Admin Volunteer appeared first on Missing People.

What to expect

Our Impact Report gives an overview of how our services support those affected by a disappearance, and how we continue to be a lifeline when someone disappears.

This year, we were able to support 8,033 children, adults, and families across all our free and confidential services. This has been made possible by the ongoing support of our partners and supporters, who continue to offer their generosity despite an ongoing cost of living crisis.

The report also discusses the new ways that Missing People have been looking to expand and explore their reach. In July 2022, the charity began Digital Search Heroes, a weekly newsletter allowing supporters to check the latest missing appeals in their area. The charity also launched our first-ever preventative campaign, aiming to reduce the number of people who go missing and reduce the risk of them coming to harm.

Missing People also released The Ethnicity of Missing People, in collaboration with Listen Up. The first time data of this kind had been collected and published, the research found that people from minority ethnic groups were missing for longer, less likely to be found by the police, and less likely to be recorded as being at risk, than white people.

With the launch of our new strategy in June, this Impact Report acts as an important benchmark for Missing People, with three main objectives going forward:

• Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
• All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
• Fewer missing people come to harm

Read the Impact Report 2022-2023

Find out more about the work we’ve done in 2022-2023.

Get Help

If you have been affected by a disappearance, or feel like going missing yourself, we are here for you. Our Helpline is open every day via call or text on 116 000.

You can also access our services and learn more about the ways we can help below:

Support us

Our work is only possible with the generous support of people like you. Click here to find out how you can become a lifeline to people in crisis.

The post Published: Missing People’s Impact Report 2022-2023 appeared first on Missing People.

We spoke to two of our volunteers, Sarah and Mike, about the work they do for the charity, why they decided to volunteer, and what they enjoy about volunteering.

When did you first begin volunteering at Missing People, and what made you initially decide to support the charity?

Sarah: I have been volunteering at Missing People for 14 years now and first became aware of the charity when they featured a missing 17-year-old boy on breakfast TV. My son was the same age and I remember thinking what an unbearable situation to be in. I was working freelance from home at this point and the opportunity to work with others in the office with such a worthwhile charity was appealing.

Mike: I think I started volunteering around 2016/7. I had time available and wanted to volunteer locally, and Missing People came up when I searched.  I was not aware of the charity before that, but when I looked at the website and came in for training I found it was something I became very interested in.  The charity is very welcoming and supportive of its volunteers, right from the start, through the training and every shift.

What is your role in the organisation now?

Sarah: Since coming back into the office (which I love!) I have been working with the family support team. I have a small caseload of families who I support on an ongoing basis. I’m now involved in helping at the NEC Gardeners World event and the Summer Family Day.

Mike: I volunteer in the Services team which is the one that responds to the phone calls, texts, and emails that come in from people who are missing, thinking of going missing or are affected by others who are missing.  We try to be supportive and understanding and non-judgemental, as well as providing information that can be helpful.  That direct contact and feeling of being useful is a large part of why I volunteer here.

What makes you want to volunteer? 

Sarah: It is so humbling to talk to and be involved with the families affected by missing. They are so brave in sharing their stories with us and other families and the support they get from MP is so valued.

Mike: I like to help those who need our services.  It’s a much larger issue than I was aware of before finding the charity. I also enjoy being part of Missing People itself, the social conversations and the support from colleagues are amazing. I always feel wonderfully supported and helped when I’m on shift.

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering for Missing People, please see the volunteering roles we currently have available at the link below, or register your interest in volunteering if none of our current vacancies are of interest to you.

The post Volunteer’s Week 2023 appeared first on Missing People.

The Gala was held at the prestigious 5* Pan Pacific London, and was attended by 260 guests, including our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Gloucester, our longest-serving Patron, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, key donors and corporate supporters, and families affected by missing.

Thanks to all those who attended and supported the event, it was our most successful gala ever, surpassing our ambitious fundraising goal of £300,000!

Highlights from the night

The night kicked off with a champagne reception and a fun game of Heads & Tails led by our Fundraising Board Chair, Mark Pumfrey; followed by a surprise video message from Hollywood legend, Michael Douglas.

Afterwards, our Chair of Trustees, Justin McLaren, and CEO, Jo Youle OBE, set a more serious note; and our excellent MC, Missing People Ambassador and CEO of TLC Lions, Gian Power, then guided us through a night filled with inspiring stories of hope from our own Helpline Heroes alongside families who have been affected by missing. We also honoured two particularly special supporters, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Richard Lockwood who were worthy winners of our inaugural Lifeline Awards, having both raised over £1million for the charity over the years. We even had live entertainment throughout the evening from the Four Poofs and a Piano, known for their comic tunes during Jonathan Ross’ Friday night chat show.

There were many highlights during the evening but the crowning moment was undoubtedly when we were told the amount we had raised, thanks to our Gold and Bronze Supporters, and all the guests who generously hosted tables, bid on a fantastic line-up of auction prizes (facilitated and donated by so many wonderful supporters, including members of our incredible Fundraising Board); and pledged throughout the night. Thanks too to our fabulous auctioneer, Tom Best, who oversaw the auction and pledge with great charm and aplomb.

It was truly a night to remember, shining a bright light of hope in the dark world of missing, and a real testament to the empathy and generosity of everyone who attended and all those who gave their time to support the biggest fundraising event in our 30 years as a registered charity.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

The post A Night to Remember: 30 Years of Giving Help, Hope and a Safe Way Home appeared first on Missing People.

On Monday 5th December, we held our annual Evening of Hope at Christmas, a carol service for families, people who have been missing, supporters, staff, and volunteers. 

After holding the event virtually for the past two years, this years’ service was once again an in-person event, held at the Borough Welsh Congregational Chapel. 

The evening involved performances by the Missing People Choir, accompanied by the Cor y Boro Choir, as well as readings of poetry written by our Creative Writing Group and a poignant candle lighting ceremony, during which the names of missing loved ones were read out in an act of shared remembrance and hope.  

We would like to thank all those who helped to make this event possible, as well as all those affected by missing who were able to attend. 

Watch the Evening of Hope 2022 

Watch a recording of this year’s event here 

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On Wednesday 7 September, 87 riders donned their finest lycra and braved the Pedal Taiwan 8 Hour Cycle Challenge at the iconic Brands Hatch racetrack. All in aid of Missing People.

The cycling challenge sat within a 12-Hour Cyclothon hosted by rugby legend, Victor Ubogu, and his events company, VU Limited. A total of 22 teams of 3 or 4 riders relayed for 8 hours, testing their strength and endurance, and racing to complete the most laps and raise the most money.

The CyCILists team (CIL Management Consultants) raced into first place with 69 laps, closely followed by the Leonardos (Gravis Capital Management Limited) with 68 laps, and in third place, the Flutter Aces on 64 laps (Flutter Entertainment plc).

The day concluded with the riders enjoying a well-deserved dinner, taking part in a silent auction to raise even more funds and taking to the podium to celebrate their cycling prowess.

Thank you

Not only did our teams conquer the cycle challenge, but they also raised incredible funds for the charity, reaching a fantastic total of £41,248!

Thanks to our riders donating through JustGiving, and generous contributions and matched funding from Liquidnet, LexisNexis, SEIB, and Flutter.

A special thank you must go to our very own Luminary, Phil Hodkinson, who gifted us the team places and made it possible for us to raise so much!

“We cannot thank everyone enough for taking on this epic challenge and for raising so much money to enable us to continue offering a lifeline to so many.” – Our CEO, Jo Youle OBE, speaking at the event

Well done to all those who took part, and we hope to see everyone again next year!

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Together to Remember is an annual event in which we remember all those who are missing.  We also use this event as a time to remember those missing who were found deceased. It’s an important event for Missing People, those we support and for all those affected by the experience of missing. The event is live streamed on Facebook so that families everywhere can watch and send in messages of support.

What happens during the Together to Remember event?

Together to Remember is a solemn, but not necessarily sad occasion, during which staff and volunteers from Missing People read aloud messages to the missing from their loved ones, then tie these messages to the Memory Tree. Our Memory Tree is a field maple which was given to us by Richmond Council in 2013 and planted in Palewell Park as an ongoing living tribute to the missing. We planted messages of love from families in a box among the tree’s roots as a gesture. The tree now stands tall and unwavering, growing each year with more messages and memories.

What does Together to Remember mean to those affected by missing?

Having someone missing can be a very difficult, isolating experience, one which can never be fully resolved until the person is found. In holding Together to Remember we gather – in-person and online – those who are living with or have known missing. By coming together, we hope they may feel less alone and instead feel a sense of community and connection. We always hold the event at the beginning of Autumn, before the leaves fall, when the air is clean and sharp but before the winter’s chill. Standing together in the comfort and warmth of memory, solidarity and love.

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