Funding threat to missing persons helpline
The National Missing Persons Helpline (NMPH) has warned it may have to close unless it receives an additional £300,000 in Government funding.
The charity has written to the Home Secretary asking for the extra money on top of the £60,000 it has already been promised for the next financial year.
Donations make up most of the NMPH’s funding, with contributions from the Government and the National Lottery, but the organisation has said that revenue is currently insufficient to meet “emerging needs”.
It warns of “serious cost implications” for government departments, local authorities and police who would have to take over its work if it is forced to close.
“The part the charity plays is perceived by most people as a public service, and our organisation ranks as a key social resource,” the NMPH said.
“The work we are currently doing, in supporting families, the police, social services, missing persons, runaways, coroners as well as our work with other NGOs relieves substantially the workload that would otherwise be shouldered by the relevant government agencies.”
In addition to the short-term funding boost, the NMPH also requests an assurance of ongoing public sector support, which will help it raise money from other donors.
