When people go missing, their friends and family are naturally worried, sometimes desperately so. Statistics suggest that most will return within a few days and without apparently suffering great harm. A small number are harmed, and some are never found. Talk about the first reaction when someone has gone missing.
Experts warn against the common assumption that the priority is always to reunite the person who has gone missing with their family. Talk about why this might not be the best plan. If there is a problem of stress, family disagreement or fear of violence, will simply reuniting people solve the problem?
One solution is to reduce the anxiety by sending confidential messages through a service run by the National Missing Persons Helpline. There are two numbers, one for people who have left and want to get a message home (0800 700740).
Another offers help, support and advice to families and friends of missing people (0500 700700). Why is it important to have these confidential services?
The National Missing Persons Helpline provides services for free. But it nearly had to close earlier this year when it ran out of cash. It was bailed out by a government grant, but is still in need of funds. Talk about the best way of funding such helpline services.
Many young people who run away head for cities, especially London. Why?
Do young people think there are opportunities there? Do they think it will be easier to hide? Talk about some of the realities. Young people alone in London may find people willing to help them, but not all are bona fide and some are criminal.
It is not only young people who leave home. Some adults just walk out to start a new life. Do young people think this is selfish? Is it likely to be the result of unsustainable pressures? Talk about what the solution might be.
