Bus and coach giant Stagecoach says it has now issued more than 100 million tickets in support of the UK charity, Missing People.

As part of the UK's biggest coach firm's ongoing partnership with the charity, which began in December 2022, the freephone number for Missing People has been printed on tickets throughout the UK - the aim being to encourage anyone in crisis to call the free and confidential helpline before they think of disappearing.

Ray O'Toole, Chief Executive for Stagecoach said: "We are proud of the continued partnership with Missing People as it provides our drivers with a vital tool to help vulnerable members of their community on our buses. Our transport network can be a pivotal point for those in crisis, so the inclusion of Missing People's helpline on our tickets is an important preventative measure for those who may need support."

Jo Youle, Chief Executive of Missing People added: "We are particularly pleased with this important partnership and continued support from Stagecoach who are playing an instrumental role in our drive to prevent people in crisis from disappearing. The printing of helpline number on Stagecoach bus tickets is our hope that someone in crisis sees it and we can be the support they need before they leave."

The preventative campaign launched December 2022 in response to first-hand accounts of Missing People's Helpline teams. These accounts recognised increased financial hardships such as unpaid debt and food insecurity were driving people to consider going missing.

● Around 100,000 adults and 70,000 children are reported missing each year in the UK and Missing People says it is handling increasing numbers of calls since this campaign was initiated. Tickets carry the message "If you feel like disappearing or know someone who has gone missing, find 'Missing People' for support.  Call the free helpline on 116 000 which is confidential and non-judgemental".

Missing People also provides services which include family support, counselling, and specialist services for issues related to missing such as exploitation and County Lines.

If you have been affected, Missing People's Helpline is 116 000 by phone or text. The free and confidential Helpline is available from 9 am-11 pm, seven days a week.