THE FAMILY of a Dorset teenager who died after going missing has released a free guide to help other families of missing people.

19-year-old Gaia Pope-Sutherland was found on a coastal path near her hometown of Swanage 11 days after she went missing, following a major search operation. Pathologists found that Gaia died from hypothermia.

Gaia’s disappearance made national headlines with hundreds of volunteers joining the search and thousands taking action online, thanks to community organising efforts led by friends and family. Now the family has released Gaia’s Guide, providing step-by-step guidance to mobilise and support a community response when someone goes missing.

Gaia’s twin sister Maya Pope-Sutherland said: “When Gaia went missing I didn’t know what to do, none of us knew what to do. We knew with public backing and attention the police would have to do something but I didn’t know how to get the word out. If it wasn’t for Marienna and all the volunteers I think we’d still be searching. We want to offer the guide so families know what to do. When someone you love disappears it’s hard to even think straight. Hopefully Gaia’s Guide will help.”

The guide covers everything from how to search to engaging with the press and police. The guide is now available to download free from justiceforgaia.com as well as on the new Missing People website.

Marienna Pope-Weidemann, Gaia's cousin, produced the guide. She added: “Gaia’s Guide has been a labour of love for her. Though in cases like Gaia’s community action can be the difference between life and death, shockingly there are no national police procedures informing families what they can expect. That needs to change. Meanwhile, going back over what happened hasn’t been easy but it’s worth it if Gaia’s Guide can help other families through that nightmare and bring even one missing person to safety.”

Remi Arnold, family support manager at Missing People, says: “It’s heart warming to see something good come from such a tragic event. There is something very powerful about family members using their own experiences to help and support others. We’re pleased to include this brilliant resource on our website. Gaia’s family should feel proud of this great work; it’s a wonderful way to honour her memory.”

Jane Hunter, senior research and impact manager at Missing People, said: “Gaia's guide is an amazing resource, not only because it's so informative but because it's been made with such thoughtful consideration towards the missing person themselves as well as those affected. What a great thing for her family to want to do to help others."

The inquest into Gaia's death is due to take place in May 2021 and is expected to hear from more than 150 witnesses over eight weeks. Gaia’s personal and medical history, mental health treatment and actions of Dorset Police when Gaia was first reported missing were among the factors that would be considered in the full inquest.