Charity Spotlight: The National Missing Persons Helpline
Who They Are?
The National Missing Persons Helpline is Ireland’s only charity working with Missing and unidentified people, their families and others who care for them.
Missing Persons reports continue to exceed 10,000 annually, the majority of cases are successfully resolved, however, the disappearance of a loved one causes immense distress to both the immediate and extended family, particularly in cases of long-term Missing.
We are a unique charity offering help to those family and friends who find themselves in a distressing and traumatic situation.
Why the National Missing Persons Helpline Started:
A missing Family member or friend can be a traumatic experience and one for which most people are ill prepared. Missing in Ireland Support Service was established in 2003 following a personal tragedy in the family of our founder. At the time there was nowhere to go for support and so he and a small group of volunteers decided to do what they could to help those whose lives are turned upside down by this awful experience. In the intervening years, the Organisation has developed and expanded its services, launching the National Missing Persons Helpline in November 2008 and now operates 365 days a year, thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers.
What the National Missing Persons Helpline Do:
The National Missing Persons Helpline, a fully compliant and registered Charity, provides information, advice, advocacy and an emotional support service for affected persons. Our Helpline works closely with An Garda Siochána and help with Missing Persons investigations by posting details of all Garda Alerts on our Social Media. Our telephone Helpline 1800 442 552 is available from 09.00-22.30 7 days a week. Information and practical advice can be found on our website www.missingpersons.ie. We are here for as long as our help is required, we will never close a case until it is resolved or the family ask us to do so.
A partnership with The Grafton Barber provides us with a means of displaying Missing Persons posters on digital screens in all their shops. This helps to raise awareness and inform the public in the hope that it will jog someone’s memory or conscience and encourage them to come forward with information.
Our Family Peer Support programme offers regular meetings with affected families and individuals coming together in a relaxed and confidential setting where they can share their experience and partake in a community support and healing process.
NMPH Plan for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon:
We were grateful to have some very willing runners in the 2023 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, their efforts raised much needed funds for the Helpline. It is our hope that other participants this year, will see the necessity for the service we provide and use the opportunity to have a fun day out while helping a very worthy cause.
Please get in touch with Lynn at 1800 442 552 or email helpline@nmph.ie if you are interested.
Contact the National Missing Persons Helpline:
National Missing Persons Helpline
6-7 Hanover St East, Dublin 2
Tel: 1800 442 552
Email: office@nmph.ie
Website: www.missingpersons.ie
Facebook: facebook.com/missingpersons.ireland
Twitter/X: @nmph_ireland