Dara Ó Briain becomes latest star to back The Independent’s SafeCall campaign for missing children
Dara Ó Briain becomes the last star in a row Independent‘s campaign to launch SafeCall, a vital savior for missing youth in crisis.
The comedian and TV presenter urged the public to donate to the appeal, which reached more than £75,000 in donations over the weekend; because efforts to establish a 24-hour free service have gained momentum.
Alongside the charity Missing People, the publication aims to raise £165,000 to fund a service designed by young people for young people, to help reach the 70,000 children who go missing in the UK every year.
Supporting the campaign, Mr Ó Briain said: “I’m proud to be taking part Independent and Missing People will support SafeCall, an urgently needed lifeline to get children off the streets and to safety.
“It’s a shocking fact that 70,000 young people go missing every year in the UK, and we can come together to change this. With your help, children will no longer be alone, out of immediate danger and helping towards safer futures.”
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
The charity currently reaches around a quarter of the 70,000 children reported missing each year, and with support from readers SafeCall aims to reach many more.
The new service will provide advice, guidance and a route to safety for children who are at risk of being lost or are already missing, at risk of abuse or harm. Many disappear repeatedly or due to exploitation, family breakdown or mental health-related issues. SafeCall will offer them a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and website.
Mr Ó Briain’s call to action comes after Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the campaign at the weekend. The Prime Minister said all young people “deserve safety” as he called on the public to donate to the cause.
Both join actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England captain Sir David Beckham and crime writer Sir Ian Rankin, among other prominent figures to support the call.
Mr Ó Briain is an Irish stand-up comedian as well as a renowned writer and popular TV presenter in both Irish and British comedy and TV. He is loved for his witty, observational humor that he delivers in a snappy manner, and many people will recognize him as the long-running host of the topical panel show. Mock the Week.
The comedian’s support for SafeCall is part of his long history of supporting a variety of important causes, including homelessness, medical charities and support of the Irish community. He is an ambassador for UK charity The Passage, which supports homeless people, and in 2011 he set a new Guinness World Record title for the ‘world’s highest stand-up comedy act’ in support of Comic Relief.
Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, said: “Children facing harm or abuse often feel invisible. SafeCall will be shaped by their voices, offering a safe, confidential space where they are heard, supported and protected. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, this new service has been designed by young people to address the challenges they face today. Together we are building a legacy of care, protection and hope. Together we will change young lives.”
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief IndependentHe said: “I’m incredibly proud to launch this campaign with Missing People. With the help of our readers and supporters we can make a real difference to tackling the missing children crisis in this country.”
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
