External events and expert speakers

As the longest-established specialist charity supporting individuals and families affected by kidnapping and arbitrary detention, members of the Hostage International team are available to participate in externally organised open and closed conferences, talks, and workshops around the world.  Our expertise enables us to deliver unique insights into the plight of hostages and their families as well as raising awareness around organisational duty of care and how we support beneficiaries.

Our CEO, Lara Symons, has exceptional knowledge of kidnapping and arbitrary detention and has contributed to many panels including for governments, the private sector, and at the United Nations.

We also work with people with lived experience who may be willing to contribute, including our co-founder Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, and our patrons Judith Tebbutt and John McCarthy CBE.

Please contact us for more information: [email protected] 

Hostage International CEO Lara Symons speaking at an event

PTSD: the signs and symptoms

PTSD: what are the signs and symptoms?

Talking to children if the worst happens

A video looking at how to talk to children if the worst happens

Supporting children under 6 during a kidnapping

A video exploring how to provide critical support to young children during a kidnapping

Hostage International GUIDANCE FOR ORGANISATIONS

Peter Rudge, Hostage International Vice-Chairman and Stephen Regel OBE, one of our principal advisors, have written a short guide for organisations.