SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) has partnered with charity Missing People on a campaign to help people in crisis and prevent them from becoming missing.
The campaign, called Safe Way Home, will see new announcements at flagship train stations as well as posters directing people to the Missing People helpline.
Throughout October, SWR will help publicise the free and confidential helpline for those who may be thinking of going missing, or is already missing, for support.
They cite a strong link between transport and missing people, as trains are often used to take one-way journeys away from home and provide shelter, toilets, and wi-fi access.
It follows a partnership between SWR and Missing People in 2021, the first of its kind in the UK.
Nearly 170,000 people were reported missing in the 2021-2022 period, of which nearly 70,000 were children.
This means that somebody in the UK goes missing every 90 seconds, and figures are likely to be higher as not all of those who go missing are reported.
People often go missing for a number of different reasons, with the most common for adults being financial difficulty, mental health struggles, domestic abuse or relationship breakdowns, homelessness, or even conditions such as dementia.
Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director of South Western Railway, said: “We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people on the railway, so we are proud to partner with Missing People on this important campaign.
“The cost-of-living crisis is putting an even greater strain on many across society, including in the communities we serve. This campaign encourages anyone on our network who is missing or thinking of going missing to contact Missing People for support.
“By partnering together, I hope that more people in crisis get the help that they need, keeping people safe and reuniting them with their loved ones.”
Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive of Missing People, commented: “Missing People is delighted to partner with South Western Railway to reach people who may be in crisis, and to let them know confidential support exists.
“The links between mental health and going missing are clear. The risk of harm is acute for many whilst they are missing.
“Together, we hope to help less people come to harm. The support of SWR, with awareness and vital funding, gives us the best chance of providing a safe way home for missing people.”
Missing People’s free and confidential helpline is available by calling: 116 000
