How players of the People’s Postcode Lottery helped missing children
People’s Postcode Lottery players not only had the chance to win thousands of pounds, but also helped lost children.
Backers helped make plan to launch SafeCall possible – IndependentCampaign in conjunction with the charity Missing People to establish a lifeline specifically for young people in crisis. The new, free, 24-hour service, co-designed and piloted by young people, will offer the support, security and connectivity needed by those at risk of getting lost.
Last year, Missing People were able to take the next step and begin much more intensive co-productions with young people on SafeCall, but with the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players.
The charity recruited young consultants in 2024; Initial staff roles focused on young people to lead the design of SafeCall. Under the guidance of project leaders, some of whom had their own lived experiences, the young mentors brought together 80 more young people to participate in the study.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
Led by Missing People’s youth consultants, the team has returned with a solution that includes a redesign of existing support and new technology aimed specifically at reaching today’s youth.
SafeCall was designed, tested and piloted; Now all young people need is to donate to create it and launch it.
Laura Chow, head of charities People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s fantastic that the support of People’s Postcode Lottery players has helped Missing People identify the need for such significant change for vulnerable young people and, importantly, empowered young people to take the lead in designing the solution.
“We are very happy about this Independent “He supports Missing People’s fantastic new SafeCall and is helping to bring this service to life.”
In the People’s Zip Code Raffle, the player’s zip code is what serves as their ticket. This is a subscription-based lottery where players from across Great Britain enter monthly draws. At least 30 percent of each ticket price is given to charities.
Our aim is to raise £165,000 to help fund this service so that the 70,000 children reported missing each year can be brought to safety. The charity currently reaches a quarter of these children, and with your support SafeCall will reach many more.
The idea for SafeCall came about a decade ago when a group of young survivors of exploitation told Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen that they did not know of any support specific to them.
Since it is reported that abused children often disappear, Dame Esther is one of the names supported by the public. IndependentAs a result of ‘s campaign, he reached out to Missing People to find a solution; This is where SafeCall was born.
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service to help vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one is lost, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000 for advice, support and options. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
