Ben Hockman, one of our most recent volunteer recruits explains why he wanted to join Hostage International. “Hostage-taking is the most heinous and traumatic of crimes because you can’t get over it. “If you are taken...
Once again many across the world are facing a Christmas when restrictions may have to be in force, as the latest Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads. Understandably many people will be disappointed and some will face real...
“It doesn’t seem like thirty years, they’ve gone remarkably quickly,” explained Terry. “I still remember those days, but strangely enough, I don’t look back and deeply regret them; I wouldn’t want to go through that…
One woman’s brother was kidnapped in Latin-America a few years ago and every day she lives with the fact that he has never been found. She now lives in the UK with her family. Here, she…
To mark the 30th anniversary of our co-founder Terry Waite’s release from captivity, Hostage International embarked on its first ever challenge fundraising event in September 2021 to raise much-needed funds for the charity. More than £10,000…
Hostage International trustee and former hostage, Judith Tebbutt, reflects on the decade following her kidnap. Ten years ago, on 11 September 2011, I was abducted by Somali pirates whilst on holiday in Kenya with my husband…
Hostage International would like to pay tribute to the charity’s long-standing chair, John Smith, who has taken the decision to step down from his voluntary work with Hostage International after 12 years. John first joined the…
Shame is one of the most painful, toxic, and self-destructive emotions a person can have. It involves feelings of guilt, regret, embarrassment, or sadness surrounding the belief that you have done something wrong. Jessica Buchanan, who…
A potted history of Hostage International was shared this week as our co-founders Terry Waite and Carlo Laurenzi reminisced about setting up the charity, in front of an audience on Zoom. As part of our series…
To mark the 30th anniversary of our co-founder Terry Waite’s release from captivity Hostage International is inviting you to join its Beirut & Back – Challenge for All fundraising event. SIGN UP HERE The virtual event…
By Judith Tebbutt for International Widow’s Day It is almost ten years since I was taken hostage in Somalia and my husband was murdered on that same night, leaving me a widow. We had been on…
Join our co-founders of Hostage International Terry Waite CBE and Carlo Laurenzi OBE, with our CEO Lara Symons, for a chat on Tuesday 29 June at 7.30pm. So many people have so many questions about Hostage…
To celebrate #WorldBookDay on 4 March 2021, authors Terry Waite CBE and Colin Freeman donated a copy of their latest books to give away, each with the offer of a personalised message from the author. The…
Colin Freeman, journalist and former foreign correspondent at the Sunday Telegraph, highlights how Hostage International supported his loved ones when he was kidnapped in 2008 One November afternoon back in 2008, my Dad got a phone…
Thank you – from our Chief Executive, Lara Symons Hostage International has not been spared the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but reflecting on this extraordinary and difficult year, I want to say a heartfelt thank…
A note from Terry, co-founder and President of Hostage International: I am notoriously bad at remembering dates. Our twin daughters were born on 12 July and as my wife comes from Northern Ireland I could not…
BLOG: By Professor Gordon Turnbull, Hostage International Mental Health Adviser Horrific images of hostages and kidnap stories are often in the news. While Hostage International works to support former hostages and their families, I would urge…
Books have been key for many throughout lockdown and with September upon us, and the long-awaited return to school following months of disruption caused by Covid-19, we’re looking at literature to support children. We hope the…
As lockdown eases, our President and Co-Founder Terry Waite CBE has highlighted the increased need for Hostage International as more former hostages and their families have reached out for support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking at…
At the start of 2021, the work of Hostage International continues apace as we remain in the midst of this global Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen a rise in the number of former hostages reaching to…
The importance of ‘living in the moment’ and ‘be kind to ourselves and each other’ as we navigate through this complicated and sometimes isolated world of Covid-19, were among nuggets of advice from our President…
It is five years since Chris returned to the UK, after a terrifying ordeal when he was kidnapped when working as a mineral products expert in Nigeria. Hostage International helped him through the difficult time adjusting…
Since 2004, when Terry Waite CBE co-founded our charity, we have been providing crucial emotional and practical support to families affected by kidnaps as well as to returning hostages. Against the backdrop of Covid-19, we are…
As people across the world make adjustments needed to deal with the complexities around Covid-19, for some it may be the first time they are discovering what it means to lose their freedom and experience some…
Listen to Terry Waite’s interview on Virgin Radio around his experiences in captivity and how to cope with corona virus isolation. Words of comfort from Terry: As we come to terms with Covid-19, right across the world…
To highlight International Women’s Day 2020 Hostage International shines a spotlight on its director, Lara Symons, who throughout her career has forged her way through the male-dominated world of kidnap-for-ransom response. Lara is a mother of…
Chris Conrad has raised nearly £500 to support the work of Hostage International after taking on the infamous Yellow Brick Road assault course in the USA. Chris, a chief inspector with the Metropolitan Police, finished the…
Having a family member kidnapped is a deeply frightening and upsetting experience for anyone affected, but particularly for children. As such, to coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week, Hostage International has launched a new guide to…
After months of uncertainty, we are disappointed to announce that we will no longer be holding our Finding Solace in Survival fundraising event at the Old Bailey this year. Lara Symons, Director of Hostage International, said: “It is…
