I have been working for the charity Missing People since 2017, most recently as the charity's Head of Research and Impact. Families with a missing loved one often experience 'ambiguous loss', which is considered one of the most difficult forms of grief because of the lack of closure and inability to move through the stages of grief. There is very little support available for families in this situation. This is particularly the case where the missing person may have died, but where a body hasn't been found or a presumption of death certificate hasn't been issued.

I want to learn from countries with particular histories of missing (missing indigenous women in Canada and missing linked to the 1990s conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina), especially about the support for families set up by governments, charities and local communities.

I've worked in this sector for many years and have seen the devastating impact this can have on families left behind and know about the lack of support available for the families. I want to bring back learning to enable Missing People and those working in bereavement support to better help families in this situation.