A CHARITY is marking International Missing Children’s Day by sharing horrifying statistics across the UK.
The charity Missing People supports missing children and adults, and their distraught families, today is using digital out-of-home media to share horrifying statistics across major cities.
Missing People has partnered with their agency ENGINE creative and ocean outdoor to raise awareness of the issue across locations in Scotland, London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The charity will show statistics of missing children on billboards across the UK.
Digital billboards will display stories of missing children then the number of children who go missing every day in the region will be revealed.
Jo Youle, CEO of Missing People, said: “The shocking reality is that a child is reported missing every two minutes in the UK.
“Every child is unique, and our frontline team are responding to children at a time of great vulnerability affected by criminal and sexual exploitation, bullying and problems at home.
She added: “Over the past year, we’ve spoken to countless children who have felt trapped, staying at home or in care where they feel unhappy or unsafe.
“There are ways the public can help. Share the appeals we post on social media. Make sure the young people in your life know that our helpline is here. Make a donation. Every gift we receive helps us to be a lifeline to these children and their families.”
Each story shown is based on real cases of children who went missing, one case is Andrew Gosden who went missing at 14 years old in 2007.
Kevin Gosden, Andrew’s father, said: “It was like any other day. Andrew was seen leaving Kings Cross Station at 11.30 that morning. He had travelled by train from Doncaster, having bought a one-way ticket.
“There have been numerous possible sightings of him over the years. So far, they haven’t led to any concrete news.”
He added: “A part of us is always caught up with our continuing search for Andrew, hoping for his return and dealing with the emotional impact of that.
“The support from Missing People has been unending over the years and it’s hard to summarise really. We have benefited from the helpline, the ongoing publicity and all the emotional support.”
Missing People is also celebrating their support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Last year due to backing from players of the lottery, the charity was able to start a new digital phone service to enable its team to work from home and continue support to adults, children and families.
The charity supported approximately 4,500 children and young people via their free confidential helpline and local in-person services.
To support Missing People, visit their website www.missingpeople.org.uk
