Please watch our video to find out about our essential work. Created with support from HelpFilm

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How can we help?

Hostage International is a unique charity delivering essential emotional and practical support to those affected by the kidnap or illegal detention of a loved one, and to hostages and detainees after their release.

Our team also has extensive experience in delivering training for employers in best practice in family support in crises.

  • Services: Direct emotional & practical support, training & education, policy support
  • Information: Families, former hostages, organisations
  • Resources: Information about kidnapping, guides, videos
  • Training: Education in family and employee support for organisations

As an international charity, we have trained volunteer caseworkers based in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, and across Europe, delivering support in English and a growing number of languages including French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.

We are flexible in our approach so please reach out and we will endeavour to help.

Contact Us

Support Us

Hostage International relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to deliver its vital services around the world. Please help us continue our vital work.

DONATE HERE

Resources & Information

Based on our experience of supporting hundreds of families over many years, we have comprehensive information and resources to support you should a family member or employee be affected by a kidnap.

Hostage International’s expertise is in supporting those affected by kidnapping or arbitrary detentions outside their home country. We are not involved in the resolution of these incidents but fill a much-needed gap in helping people cope with the day-to-day difficulties caused by kidnaps and illegal detentions.

News and Views

Hostage International is recruiting for trustees

Hostage International is recruiting for trustees

Could you help make a difference to those affected by hostage-taking and arbitrary detention? An exciting opportunity is open for individuals to apply as trustees for the board of Hostage International. It is a chance to…

Hostage International adds expertise on panel looking at the complexities of arbitrary detention

Hostage International adds expertise on panel looking at the complexities of arbitrary detention

Our CEO, Lara Symons, contributed to a panel event at the UN Human Rights Council on Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations: Building Global Solidarity Against Hostage Diplomacy on 26 June 2024.  Speaking on the side event’s…

Mental Health Awareness Week – tips for those affected by hostage situations

Mental Health Awareness Week – tips for those affected by hostage situations

This Mental Health Awareness Week our mental health adviser trustee, Stephen Regel, answers some questions around the challenges for families with a loved one taken hostage and what they can do to strive for some form…

Novice runner finishes 75km ultramarathon to thank Hostage International

Novice runner finishes 75km ultramarathon to thank Hostage International

Sam Barnes (25), finished an ultramarathon on 11 May 2024 and in the process raised more than £3,200 for Hostage International. Sponsor Sam here! Moved by the personal experience of his uncle’s death in the In…