What is this survey about?
This research will explore the experiences of people who have gone missing or run away and experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings either before and/or while away. We are being funded by the Department of Health & Social Care and will use the findings to make recommendations to ensure that people who go missing while experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings receive the best response and support possible.
Who should take part in this research?
We would like to hear from adults aged 18 or over who have historic experience of going missing or away for whom suicidal thoughts or feelings were either a factor in them leaving and/or something they experienced while away.
If you are currently missing or experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings then unfortunately you are not eligible to take part.
This survey will use the terms ‘go missing’ or ‘ran away’ throughout. We know that some people might not identify with these terms, but might relate more to other terms like ‘went away’, ‘escaped’, ‘disappeared’, ‘took time out’ or something else. Please respond to questions in the same way that you would if these terms were substituted for your preferred term.
Content of the survey
This survey will ask you questions including:
- Your experience of suicidal thoughts or feelings before, during and after you were missing / away
- Why you were missing / away
- What happened while you were away
- How you returned, if you have returned
- What help you wanted (if any) at each stage, whether you were able to access this help and what would have helped you access support
Responses to the survey are anonymous, strictly confidential, and will be stored securely and only accessible by the research team at Missing People. You will not be identifiable in any internal or external report based on responses to this survey.
The survey should take 15-30 minutes to complete. You can save your responses and return to the survey at a later date if you would like.
Triggering questions
Questions in this survey will ask about topics that could potentially be triggering, such as about suicidal thoughts or feelings and suicide attempts. The first three questions determine your eligibility to take part in the survey and determine what other questions you are asked. After these, you can select “Prefer not to say” or leave a question blank if you do not wish to answer it.
You can also close the survey window altogether if you do not wish to continue with the survey at any point. You have a right to withdraw from this research. If you would like to withdraw your data please contact Jane Hunter at Missing People, by e-mailing jane.hunter@missingpeople.org.uk before the 31st May 2025.
About Missing People
Missing People is a lifeline when someone disappears. We provide support for anyone affected by missing, including through our free, confidential helpline. If you need to talk to someone as a result of taking this survey, please contact Missing People via phone or text on 116 000, or e-mail 116000@missingpeople.org.uk, from 9am to 11pm, 365 days per year.
About Samaritans
Samaritans is there, whatever you are going through. You can call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. We won't judge you or tell you what to do, we'll listen to you.
Where you can get help
You are under no obligation to complete this survey, and if you do feel like you need to talk to someone as a result, here are some organisations you may wish to contact:
- Missing People: phone or text 116 000, e-mail 116000@missingpeople.org.uk
- Samaritans: phone 116 123