Labour’s deputy leader joins PM in backing The Independent’s SafeCall campaign for missing children
The Labor Party’s deputy leader joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and a host of well-known figures from across the UK in support Independentincredible SafeCall campaign.
Lucy Powell praised this “innovative” new service for missing young people, saying it would help address the “distress and damage” caused by the disappearance of children, often at moments of acute vulnerability.
SafeCall, a free national helpline run in partnership with the charity Missing People, can now be launched after readers helped the campaign reach its £165,000 target for Christmas, allowing support to be extended to thousands of children at risk of missing out each year.
Young people continue to be those most likely to get lost; 61 percent of all incidents occur among youth ages 12 to 17; but many still say there is no service to meet their needs.
SafeCall will provide a way to communicate that feels safe and secure, with anonymity guaranteed and around-the-clock support available. The free service will expand Missing People’s reach through a dedicated helpline, a WhatsApp channel, a 24-hour chatbot and a website offering advice written for young people.
In a strong call to action, the Manchester Central MP said: “I know from my own electorate what disappearances can mean for families and those who have lost their lives – who are often among the most vulnerable in our communities, putting themselves at greater risk by leaving loved ones and support networks and services behind, or becoming more isolated as they flee exploitation.”
“We should all be concerned that children can get lost so easily in this day and age, and it’s great to see. Independent “It shines a light on this important issue and how readers can take action to support Missing People and this innovative new Safe Call service created by kids for kids.”
The campaign was not just about launching the new service, but also about raising awareness, opening discussions and encouraging change on an issue that is widespread but under-prioritised, with more than 430,000 people overall affected by the disappearance of a child each year.
The charity currently reaches around a quarter of children reported missing each year, and thanks to support from readers, SafeCall will now reach many more.
Jo Youle, CEO of Missing People, said: “We are truly grateful to Lucy Powell for recognizing both the scale of this problem and the vulnerability of the children and young people affected. “Too many children go missing because they try to escape harm, exploitation or situations they may not have the power to change, and the risks they face when they go missing are significant.
“We thank you too Independent and its readers for shedding light on this fact and supporting the launch of SafeCall. “This new service, shaped by young people themselves, will provide early, confidential support to help children feel heard, safer and less alone, and to prevent crisis before it escalates.”
Ms. Powell’s words echo those of the prime minister. Sir Keir Starmer backed the campaign last November, saying all young people deserve safety.
Missing People ambassador Kate McCann, broadcaster and author Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England football captain Sir David Beckham and presenter Lorraine Kelly are also among the high-profile figures backing the call.
Actors Amanda Redman and Monica Dolan and journalist Trevor McDonald also praised the generosity of donors.
Ms Redman, who has been a patron of Missing People for more than 25 years, said: “This campaign shows what is possible Independent and its readers use their voices to shed light on important issues. Thank you for helping Missing People make Safecall a reality, a service that will support young people before the crisis strikes.”
The Bafta candidate has previously supported the call, saying: “Together we can ensure that no child feels like they have to face danger alone.” Redman has personal experience with being lost after briefly disappearing as a teenager; This experience seriously worried his parents. He devoted his later years to raising awareness and funds for this issue.
Sir Trevor, who has been the charity’s patron since it was founded in 1993, said: Independent and to everyone who supported this campaign. Achieving this goal means SafeCall can now be launched and be there for young people when they need help most. “This is an incredible achievement.”
The award-winning newsreader has previously supported the campaign, having been heavily involved in advocating for this issue for years, while emphasizing that behind every case of a missing young person there is “a story of fear, of desperation, of a cry for help, a real cry for help”.
He also pre-produced a documentary about serial killers Fred and Rose West, which led to the reopening of a missing person case after it was reported that new evidence might be found. The 1968 disappearance of 15-year-old Mary Bastholm was linked to Fred West, but a new comprehensive search in 2021 turned up no more clues.
Ms. Dolan has previously spoken movingly about investigating the case of missing teenagers “who no one noticed were gone” as she prepared to play Rose West. To talk IndependentThe Bafta-winning actor urged people to “look and care” as he hailed the new service.
Since SafeCall achieved its goal, he added: “Thank you so much. Independent and thank you to its readers for understanding how vital Safecall is and making it possible. Reaching this fundraising goal means real support, real protection, and real hope for at-risk youth. “This campaign shows the power of people coming together to create lasting change.”
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 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 misspeople.org.uk/get-help
