Missing People launches WhatsApp service to reach children in crisis after Independent campaign
Sitting in the woods feeling scared and alone, 19-year-old Ros didn’t know who she could turn to for help. The young girl was self-harming and feared she might harm herself more seriously.
Just a few days ago, police found Ros on a bridge after she disappeared from home. He did not want to speak to the police again because he feared the police would detain him due to concerns about his mental health.
Ros received a message from the Missing People charity saying she had reported him missing to the police.
The charity said he could speak to its staff confidentially and they were there to give him the help he needed.
Missing People spoke to Ros about what she was going through and helped her stop further self-harm. He eventually agreed to contact the police for help.
Ros is one of tens of thousands of young people who go missing in the UK every year and now has a lifeline following the launch of SafeCall, a free and confidential support service designed to keep children and young people safe.
Thanks to your generosity IndependentReaders of Missing People launched a new WhatsApp service this week as another part of its SafeCall offering to reach more young people in times of crisis. It allows kids to send a quick message to the charity if they don’t want to talk on the phone.
Independent Last November, we set out to raise the vital funds needed to create SafeCall and spread awareness of children who went missing and remain missing today. The helpline was launched in January after raising an incredible £165,000.
Our mission has the support of many high-profile figures, including prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, former footballer Sir David Beckham, Childline founder Esther Rantzen, TV presenter Sir Stephen Fry and Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine.
As part of the campaign, we heard from parents who have experienced the pain of having a missing child, as well as those who were once lost and are now dedicated to helping young people in the same situation they were once in.
With your support Independent As a partner of Missing People, an additional £300,000 was raised for his vital services at the charity’s annual gala event.
Amy Walker, head of digital development at the charity, said: “Thanks to the support Independent We added WhatsApp as a channel through which our young people, and their readers, can reach us when they need us most.
“They’ve been asking for access to our non-judgmental and empathetic team via WhatsApp for years, and it’s exciting that we’re finally able to fulfill their wish.
“Our new WhatsApp channel, which we created entirely ourselves, continues to focus on how important it is for young people to feel in control.”
The launch coincides with International Day of Missing Children, which aims to raise awareness about the disappearance of children around the world.
A child is reported missing every 2.5 minutes in the UK and a missing child dies every week.
The new service allows young people to speak to the charity anonymously and is available every day between 10am and 10pm.
More than 40 per cent of children currently contacting the Missing Persons helpline have poor mental health, while almost one in four children report being at risk associated with suicide.
Approximately 53 percent of children who contact have problems with their families or relationships.
Among them was a 15-year-old boy who called the charity after being kicked out of his home earlier this year.
The child was afraid of being reported missing but did not feel safe at home. Missing People spoke to them about the support available to help them stay safe and encouraged them to contact their local social services department.
With the launch of the charity’s WhatsApp service, these children now have another safe place to turn to when they are scared and lonely.
As the charity continues to reach children in need across the country, Independent He is asking for donations from the public to continue this service.
Young people can send a WhatsApp message to +44 7723 402 392 or contact SafeCall any day via the free helpline 116 000 or the charity’s online chat service.
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which raised £165,000 to create a free nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one gets lost, get in touch for advice, support and options SafeCall.org.uk.
If you are experiencing distressed emotions or having difficulty coping, you can talk or email the Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI). jo@samaritans.orgor visit Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch.
