Missing: Race Against Time

If you're concerned about a missing person or may have sighted someone missing from home, read on for details of support.

There's also information for anyone who has run away or gone missing. Please note that some free numbers may be charged for by a few mobile phone networks.

Missing People is dedicated to advising missing people, their families and those who care for them. They also help in the search for missing people, as well as being a point of contact for anyone who has runaway from home. Their helpline 0500 700 700 (free and confidential, 24 hours a day every day) for anyone wanting to report a missing person or to report a sighting of a missing person.

The Message Home Helpline on 0800 700 740 ( free, 24 hours a day every day) is a lifeline for people who have run away or been forced to leave home. It's a confidential service and your call will not be traced. The advisors can help you talk through your situation, look at the options that are available and contact a family member or carer if you want them to. They can also help get you to a place of safety if you feel you can’t return home. Or email messagehome@missingpeople.org.uk.

If you're under 18 you can call Runaway Helpline 0808 800 70 70 (free, confidential 24 hours a day every day) or text to 80234, these numbers are free from main mobile phone service providers. Or you can email runaway@missingpeople.org.uk or check out the website www.missingpeople.org.uk

The Salvation Army family tracing service re-unite family members that have lost contact with each other. They have an impressive success record, but there are certain criteria to be met for a case to be taken on. Enquiries are undertaken to locate close adult relatives for the purpose of reconciliation.  The Salvation Army do not undertake enquiries in circumstances where adoption has taken place, nor where a birth occurred outside of marriage.  Phone them on 0845 634 4747 (local rate, Monday to Friday 8.15am to 3.45pm), or email family.tracing@salvationarmy.org.uk. There is a small tracing fee which covers a little of the expenses of a search, and searches are only undertaken for the purposes of reconciliation.

Get Connected is a free helpline and an email service helping young people find the best support whatever their problem.  It's especially good for anyone thinking of running away or leaving home, or for anyone who has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994 free, confidential, 1pm to 11pm every day), or email help@getconnected.org.uk.

If you're an adult going away from home, you need to know how to keep yourself safe. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides a variety of information about personal safety for all ages and in a variety of situations. 

Remember, that if you're feeling desperate and in despair about your situation you need someone to talk too. You can phone Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (any time of day or night).  You can also email for support through jo@samaritans.org.

Some people may feel the need to employ a private investigation company to help in their search for a missing person. If you're considering this, you need to ensure that the company you choose is accredited and backed by a professional organisation. Visit the website of the Association of British Investigators at to find out more.

_{Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.}