Help Before Someone Goes Missing

Support for People Who Are Despondent, Suicidal, or Living With Dementia

South Yorkshire & Humberside

People who feel overwhelmed, suicidal, or who live with dementia are statistically at higher risk of going missing. Early support saves lives — often long before police or search‑and‑rescue teams are needed. This article brings together local help groups, preventative services, and rescue organisations across South Yorkshire and Humberside, so families, carers, and individuals know where to turn before a crisis escalates.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

• Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7, UK‑wide) — emotional support for anyone in distress 

• NHS 111 (Option 2) — 24/7 urgent mental health support in England [mind.org.uk]

1. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Support

South Yorkshire

These organisations help people before they go missing, including those feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or suicidal.

• Sheffield Mind – counselling, advocacy, wellbeing groups
  https://www.sheffieldmind.co.uk/

• Doncaster Mind – mental health support and early intervention
  https://www.doncastermind.org.uk/ 

• Rotherham & Barnsley Mind – community support and crisis prevention
  https://www.rbmind.co.uk/ ]

• Rotherham Safe Space – evening and weekend crisis listening service
  https://www.mhm.org.uk/rotherham-safe-space ]

• Sheffield Flourish – peer‑led mental health and recovery support
  https://sheffieldflourish.co.uk/ 

• ANDYSMANCLUB (multiple South Yorkshire groups) – men’s suicide‑prevention talking groups
  https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ 

Humberside (Hull, East Riding, North & North East Lincolnshire)

• Humber Wellbeing Hub – community mental health and connection
  https://humberwellbeinghub.com/ 

• Blossom (Humber) – self‑harm and suicide prevention for all ages
  https://humberwellbeinghub.com/blossom-self-harm/

• Local NHS Crisis Teams (24/7) – via NHS 111 Option 2

• Humberside Police support
  https://www.humberside.police.uk/police-forces/humberside-police/areas/about-us/about-us/support-agencies/ 

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2. Dementia Support & Preventing People Going Missing

People living with dementia are particularly vulnerable. Planning ahead dramatically reduces harm.

South Yorkshire & Humberside (Shared Services)

• Alzheimer’s Society (Local Services & Dementia Advisors)
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you 

• Age UK (Local dementia groups, memory cafés, carers support)
  https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/dementia-support/ 

• Herbert Protocol (Essential) – pre‑completed information to help police find someone quickly if they go missing
  https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/vulnerable-people-at-risk-of-going-missing/

• Sheffield Herbert Protocol Guide
  https://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/adults/living-independently/support-to-keep-you-independent/staying-safe-and-safeguarding-adults/the-herbert-protocol/

Many families report that completing the Herbert Protocol before someone goes missing reduces search times and trauma.

 

 

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3. Missing Person & Family Support

• Missing People Charity – prevention advice and family support
  https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/ 

• Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) – peer support groups
  https://uksobs.org/ 

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4. What Families and Communities Can Do Now

• Talk openly about distress, suicidal thoughts, or confusion

• Connect people early with local mental health groups

• Complete a Herbert Protocol for anyone at risk

• Know who to call before a disappearance

• Remember: going missing is often a signal of unmet support needs

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You Are Not Wasting Anyone’s Time

If you’re worried about someone — or yourself — reaching out early is an act of care, not failure. Support exists across South Yorkshire and Humberside to help before fear turns into a search.

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Local Crisis Hotline Numbers (24/7 or Out‑of‑Hours Support)

If you or someone else is feeling desperate, unsafe, or at risk of going missing, these services provide immediate human support. You do not need a referral.

🚨 Immediate danger

• Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.

South Yorkshire Crisis Lines

• Samaritans – Sheffield & South Yorkshire
  📞 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  📞 Local Sheffield number: 0330 094 5717
  Emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts  

• Rotherham Safe Space (Out‑of‑Hours Crisis Support)
  📞 0800 246 5059
  Evening and weekend support for people in emotional or mental health crisis 

• NHS 111 – Urgent Mental Health (South Yorkshire)
  📞 111, then choose Option 2
  24/7 urgent mental health assessment and local crisis team access 

Humberside Crisis Lines

(Hull, East Riding, North & North East Lincolnshire)

• NHS Urgent Mental Health – Humber Region
  📞 01472 256 256 (Option 3) – 24/7
  📞 Freephone: 08081 968 442
  Direct access to local crisis services for Humberside residents 

• Humber Wellbeing Hub / Blossom Crisis & Suicide Prevention Support
  Provides local crisis signposting, suicide‑prevention support and rapid connection to services
  https://humberwellbeinghub.com/ 

UK‑Wide Crisis Support (Available Locally)

• Samaritans (All Areas)
  📞 116 123 — free, confidential, 24/7 

• Shout – Crisis Text Line
  📱 Text 85258 (free, 24/7)
  For people who find it easier to text than talk 

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
  📞 0800 587 0800 (6pm–midnight daily)
  Supportive listening and crisis signposting

• PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 (Under 35s)
  📞 0800 068 4141 | Text 88247
  Youth‑focused suicide prevention support, 24/7

Why These Numbers Matter Before Someone Goes Missing

People who go missing due to mental distress or dementia are often in crisis beforehand. Calling early can:

• prevent harm

• reduce police call‑outs

• avoid traumatic searches

• keep people safe at home or with support

Reaching out early is the most effective form of search and rescue.