Having a family member kidnapped is a frightening experience. Hostage UK has produced a short leaflet onhow to cope.

We have also produced a short leaflet on how to handle the media during and after a kidnap.

If you need our support, please call Hostage UK's 24/7 local rate helpline: 0845 608 1360.

If you have had a relative kidnapped, Hostage UK can offer a range of support to your family, both during and after the case:

Pastoral Care

• We can draw on the personal and professional experience of our Trustees and Members to help you understand what to expect, and how best to deal with things;
• We can put you in contact with a former hostage or family member, to reassure you and remove any feelings of isolation you might be feeling;
• We can help by providing a referral for counselling or for other specialist agencies, such as trauma centres, for you and your family;
• We can put you in contact with another family who have had or are undergoing a similar experience, for mutual support.

Practical Help

• We work with voluntary organisations and local networks to provide domestic support for you and your family;
• We can help you to liaise with a range of officials and organisations, such as employers or government representatives, although we will never seek to become a buffer between you and them;
• We can help you to identify and liaise with contacts in the country where your relative has been taken;
• We can help you to prepare background information or ‘proof of life’ material about the hostage, as well as support you with hostage release or repatriation.

Financial and Legal Advice

• We can help you to identify sources of financial support for travel costs or specialist expenses, although we cannot offer financial support ourselves;
• We can advise you on financial issues such as accessing the hostage’s bank accounts or mortgage payment deferral, drawing on the experiences of other families who have been in your position;
• We can refer you to legal advice.