What is a Missing Person?
Police forces in the UK use this definition of a missing person “Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established will be considered as missing until located and their wellbeing or otherwise confirmed."
The most common reasons for adults to be missing are mental health issues, relationship breakdown, financial problems or escaping violence. Every person who goes missing will have different circumstances and reasons for going missing.
After a person is found or returns to their home, it is important that they have the chance to talk about the reason(s) why they went missing. Identifying or addressing the problems that caused the person to go missing might help prevent them going missing again. They may need extra support from professionals, for example their GP or mental health services.
If you have been reported missing and want to tell your family you are safe, you can go to a police station who will then confirm your identify and share your message with your family. Going missing is not a crime and the police will not make you return home or tell your family your location if you do not wish them to know. If you have a mental illness the police have a duty to protect you and may decide they need to share your location for your own safety.
It’s affecting me
Talk
- Talk to someone you trust. Talking things through with someone can sometimes help. This could be a friend, family member or someone at City St George's.
- Student Welfare and Engagement Officers are first points of contact for any wellbeing or student experience related issues. Students can discuss any challenges or life-circumstances which may be affecting their wellbeing and ability to engage with their studies.
Report
- Students can report concerns using City St George's Report + Support platform. You can choose to do this without providing your personal details or you can request support from an adviser by filling in the form with your contact details.
Support
Students can connect with staff across the University:
- Student Health and Wellbeing provide students with practical, emotional and specialist disability related support. Students can complete the e-referral form to access these services.
- Student Support Services are a multi-disciplinary team that provides support, expert advice and guidance to students. You can contact them through our Support@City platform
- The Chaplaincy Team offer pastoral support to everyone, welcoming every faith, belief and culture and students with no faith, and can be contacted directly.
- The SU Advice Service offer support for students who have experienced any form of harassment, bullying or sexual violence, either on campus, online or off campus. You can access support here.
Other sources of support
- Missing people can provide support to those affected by missing people or thinking of going missing, via text or over the phone on 116 000. They also offer advice through a runaway helpline which is via the same number as above.
- Nightline is a confidential listening and support service available to students in London. All volunteers are students and are specially trained to listen and provide support.
- Samaritans (116 123) provides 24-hour confidential emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide.
- Childline provides a confidential helpline for under 19s. You can call 0800 1111 to speak to counsellor, you can send them an email or log in for a 1-2-1 counsellor chat.
- The Mix offers support for under 25s on a range of topics and through different mechanisms such as a helpline, crisis messenger, one-to-one chat or counselling services.
It’s affecting someone I know
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened to them can help. If someone you know has been affected, you can encourage them to seek support. It’s important to listen to what they want to do and respect the decision they make. If they do not wish to seek support or report what has happened to them, you can ask them if you can make a report on their behalf without providing their personal details.
- Thank the person for the disclosure and acknowledge that you believe them.
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps. Remember, it is important that they decide what they want to do.
Report
- Students can report concerns using City St George's Report + Support platform. They can choose to do this without providing their personal details or they can request support from an adviser by filling in the form with their contact details.
Get Support
There are many ways to access support at City St George's and a number of external organisations that provide specialist support. You can encourage the person to access the support they need.
Your mental health and wellbeing
If you are supporting someone, make sure you look after yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, you may also want to access support for yourself.
- Vivup, City St George's Employee Assistance Provider (0800 023 9324) - Their telephone helpline provides staff members with expert support for life's ups and downs - 24/7, 365 days a year. Whatever mental, physical, financial or personal issue you're facing, you can find a wide range of resources to help you.
- The Wellbeing@City Hub provides details of additional information and support on wellbeing for staff members.
Student support and resources are available on the Student Health and Wellbeing pages on the Student Hub and students can complete the e-referral form to access these services. Students can also seek support through Student Support Services or contact staff in the Chaplaincy Team directly. Students can also access additional support through the Students’ Union.