A new project has been launched in an effort to bring more missing people to safety faster, using geo-targeted urgent and current missing person appeals through a partnership between Missing People and Trainline.
The pioneering new initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, will bring location-based appeals to millions of train travellers across the country via the Trainline app. It works by displaying images of people who have gone missing in the vicinity, as well as information on what to do if the user suspects they have seen a missing person, or have information on their whereabouts.
The trial for the initiative launches today and has been supported by relatives who are continuing to search for missing family members, including the father of Andrew Gosden. Andrew went missing on the 14th September 2007 after taking a train from his hometown of Doncaster to King’s Cross station in London when he was just 14 years old.
Speaking about the project, Andrew’s father Kevin Gosden said: “It’s so important to have these appeals out there. You never know when someone might remember something, or may have seen a missing person. It’s also important to know that there is help for anyone considering disappearing, including support that may help people take the step to return home, or think twice before leaving in the first place.”
“If this had existed back in 2007, Andrew’s image could have been displayed to thousands of members of the public in the area where he went missing. Anything that can help to raise awareness of Andrew, and the appeals for any missing person, is vital in keeping the search active and ensuring people are continuing to keep a look out for those who are missing”.
Paul Joseph, Head of Helplines at Missing People said: “Someone going missing is a crisis. The main factors for adults are mental health problems and financial uncertainty. Missing People is concerned about the effect of the growing pressures on people over this winter. The charity is gearing up to take more contacts to our Helpline.
When someone vulnerable has disappeared, they can often use the transport network as a safe place. Missing People is so proud to be working with Trainline to raise awareness of individual disappearances. Together, we hope to raise awareness and potentially help find missing people. For the loved ones of those featured, knowing that action is being taken to find them, helps to keep hope alive.”
John Davies, Vice-President of Industry Relations for Trainline, said: “We want to do our bit to help Missing People’s important work. With millions of people using the Trainline app each year our tech provides an effective new way to reach travellers and boost awareness of their appeals.”
The project goes live today and will be trialled for an initial one-year period. This is supported by JC Decaux through the use of their billboards in main train stations across the UK – which will also show the appeals. Participating stations include Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Leeds, Clapham Junction, Edinburgh Waverly, Birmingham New Street and London Bridge.
