A pioneering new initiative between the charity Missing People and Trainline is using the Trainline app to display images of people who have gone missing and what to do if someone suspects they have seen a missing person or have information on where they are.
The app is geo-targeted so that it will display images of people who have gone missing in the user's current area. The trial has been launched today, Wednesday, 15 November, and initially be for one year. Billboard advertising company JC Decaux will also display the information about missing people on billboards at main railway stations throughout the country.
Stations taking par if the trial Charing Cross, Cannon Street, London Bridge and Clapham Junction in London, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Leeds, Edinburgh Waverley, and Birmingham New Street.
Previous campaign saw c2c and Govia Thameslink Railway partner with Missing People to reconnect missing people with their loved ones.
The trial is being supported by relatives who are continuing to search for missing family members. They include the father of Andrew Gosden who went missing on 14 September 2007 after taking a train from his hometown of Doncaster to London King's Cross 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.”
