Hostage UK works with the families of hostages to provide pastoral support and practical help. Because we are independently funded and constituted, we are able to put the need of families first, and can be trusted as an impartial – yet knowledgeable – source of information and help. We often work with families who might otherwise slip through the nets of government or private sector support.

Hostage UK works with organisations facing a kidnap risk, providing specialist education and independent, impartial advice on the human dynamics of hostage taking. With our first-hand experience of kidnapping, and the help of our specialist advisors, we are an outstanding but accessible source of information and understanding about the different stages and aspects of a kidnap.

Hostage UK produces research and reports to campaign for improved government and organisational policy and practice around kidnapping incidents. We draw on the expertise and experience of our members and volunteers, and the feedback we receive during our training and events, to identify the needs of families and help governments and companies to deliver more effective support to the hostage, their family, and their colleagues.

If you are the family member of a hostage or a former hostage and need our support, call our 24/7 local rate helpline on 0845 608 1360.

For more information on our work with families and organisations, please see How We Help.

For more information on our training and events, please see Events.