A HIGH profile campaign to find missing persons in the Eastern region will be launched this week.Anglia Television, working with the National Missing Person's Helpline, will broadcast two programmes investigating the circumstances of the disappearance of nine people, including two from Suffolk.

A HIGH profile campaign to find missing persons in the Eastern region will be launched this week.

Anglia Television, working with the National Missing Person's Helpline, will broadcast two programmes investigating the circumstances of the disappearance of nine people, including two from Suffolk.

Around 210,000 people go missing in the UK every year. Most turn up again but around 10,000 seem to disappear into thin air.

The families left behind are left confused and hurt, not knowing whether they have been abandoned or whether something more sinister could account for the break in communication.

The half-hour broadcasts, "Missing", include interviews with parents, brothers and sisters who have in some cases experienced 13 years of uncertainty waiting for a knock on the door or a telephone call to set their minds at rest.

Janet Newman, co-founder of the NMPH charity, said the two Missing programmes and press coverage could be vital in unearthing clues.

She added that there could be many reasons which might prompt someone to break from their previous lives and start afresh – from mental health issues or stress to personal difficulties and more ominously, foul play.

In every case where people have been traced, she said, not one person has declined allowing NMPH to let their families know they are safe.

"For those left behind, that can sometimes be all the reassurance they need to get on with their won lives," Janet added.

"We just hope people watch the programmes and read about them in the EADT and get in touch."

Series producer David Beake said the families had all spoken of their hope and desperation at not knowing what had happened to their relatives.

Even in the most tragic of circumstances, where the missing person has died, he said, the families are unable to grieve until they have confirmation of what happened.

"They can get know sense of closure," he added.

"There is always that thought that they are out there and could turn up one day. For these families, the pain is still very real and very alive."

Missing, presented by Tim Curtis and filmed in Norwich, will be shown on Anglia TV on Friday, June 6, at 11.30pm with the second part broadcast on June 13 at the same time.

NMPH helps to resolve 70% of the cases it takes on. It receives more than 100,000 calls per year.

According to Home Office estimates, around 210,000 people are reported missing in the UK every year.

100,000 children under 18 run away or are forced to leave home to escape problems every year.

Among young people, girls are twice as likely to run away than boys.

583 young people were abducted in 2001/02.

Among those aged 60 or over, dementia is the most common reason for disappearances.

Other causes for disappearances may be family conflict, debt, illness or accident, abuse, stress, depression, amnesia, substance abuse, abduction or because the person simply wants to get away.

The police do not look for people except in cases of vulnerability or where they suspect a crime has been committed.

The Salvation Army's family tracing service concentrates on blood relatives but cannot deal with other categories.

Anyone who would like to let their families know they are safe, or to report a missing person, contact the National Missing Persons Helpline on (0500) 700700.