Home Sweet Home for Missing People

Devon eco-business The Recycled Candle Company has teamed up with national charity Missing People to help raise awareness of the thousands of people who go missing each year.

The new Home Sweet Home pillar candle is being released just in time for Mother’s Day, always a poignant day for families with a missing loved one.

Jo Youle from Missing People explained: “Someone is reported missing in the UK every 90 seconds and around 170,000 people go missing every year.

“The idea to create a beautiful, recycled candle as a symbol of hope for the people we support seemed fitting. We are thrilled to be partnering with such an ethical and sustainable company for this campaign.”

Working closely with Missing People and members of families with experience of missing loved ones, The Recycled Candle Company’s candle-making team designed a pillar candle echoing the charity’s signature colours of deep pink with white. The candle’s bespoke fragrance combines top notes of coconut and dark chocolate with ‘heart notes’ of patchouli and vanilla pod, plus a base of wood, amber and musk, which all blend together to give a comforting scent.

Co-founder of The Recycled Candle Company, Richard Hills-Ingyon said: “As with all our candles, the pillar is made from 100% recycled wax from used candles donated to us by a variety of businesses, places of worship, hospitality venues and individuals all wanting to help the environment by reducing waste.

“While we’re donating a percentage of all sales of the candle to the charity, just as important is the chance to raise awareness of its crucial work.”

Missing People is active across the country including the South West. Bek Stratfield from Tintagel explained how the charity has helped her. “I have been involved with Missing People since my son Finn went missing from North Cornwall in July 2017.

“Missing People has helped to raise awareness of Finn and offered support for myself and my family. They have always shown compassion and empathy for the situation we are in and continue to do so while Finn is still missing.”

Founded in 1993 Missing People provides specialist support to people who are away from home or thinking of leaving, and the families and friends left behind. In addition, the charity undertakes research to understand the experiences of missing people and their families and advocate for change through policy and campaigning work.

Candle maker Richard added: “There’s a tangible benefit here for everyone who has recently donated their old candles to us. They can feel proud that not only are they helping the planet by keeping old wax out of landfill, but also helping us to support a wonderful charity.”

The candle is available for purchase on The Recycled Candle Company’s website.

For help, advice or support call or text Missing People confidentially on 116 000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. Calls and texts are free. Help can also be accessed on Missing People's website.