The Independent hits target of £165,000 to help missing children across UK in SafeCall campaign
Independent SafeCall is proud to announce that its campaign has reached its target of £165,000 to launch a new national lifeline for missing young people across the UK.
Thanks to the charity Missing People, as well as the incredible public support for this publication’s Christmas appeal, the free, 24-hour service can now be set up to reach the 72,000 children who go missing in the UK every year.
With a young person reported missing approximately every two and a half minutes, this is a national crisis that SafeCall can now tackle, offering vulnerable children support, safety and connection when they need it most.
Jo Youle, managing director of Missing People, said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every reader and the incredible team. IndependentPerson supporting the SafeCall Objection. Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to stand with young people in crisis have brought us to this milestone.
“Thanks to you, Missing People can now provide confidential support to young people who feel scared, isolated or at risk by creating and launching SafeCall in 2026. Whatever the situation and however long it takes, we can be there. The new service will exist thanks to your generosity.
“You’ve helped create something that will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people across the UK. We hope you’ll stay with us through 2026. We couldn’t have done this without you.”
The news that the campaign’s goal will be achieved comes as follows: Independent Its front page on Christmas Day highlights people who went missing as children or teenagers and whose families are still desperately searching for them this festive season.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
Family members of missing children told this publication how “terrible” it could be to get through Christmas without losing their loved ones.
Reflecting on the first Christmas after his 15-year-old son Lee disappeared in 1988, Peter Boxell said: “I was hoping Lee would come home or that we might hear from him – obviously I wanted him to come home for Christmas. We had an extra place at the table for Christmas dinner in case he came home. It was truly heartbreaking.”
Alongside the generosity of our readers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also backed the campaign, saying all young people “deserve safety”. Joining her support were public figures including Missing People ambassador Kate McCann, actor and author Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England football captain Sir David Beckham and presenter Lorraine Kelly.
Women of Rebellion Actor Amelia Bullmore, who also backed the campaign, said: “I’m incredibly proud and deeply grateful to support this campaign. Independent and every reader who supports it. “Your generosity and belief in SafeCall means vulnerable young people across the UK will now have a safe and confidential place to turn to.”
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Actor Sam Hoare, an early supporter of the cause, added: “Thank you Independent and its readers for making SafeCall possible. “By supporting this campaign, you have recognized the urgent need for early and confidential support for at-risk young people and helped translate this need into real action.”
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief IndependentHe said: “This Christmas, I want to thank our readers for something truly extraordinary. Together, you helped us raise £165,000 for SafeCall, a lifeline for young people who are lost, scared or in danger.
“Journalism is most important when it leads to action, and your generosity proves that compassion can still cut through the noise. If you can give a little more, please do. It could mean everything to a child who feels lost.”
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.
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 enable missing young people or those in danger of getting lost to reach them in the safest way, with the guarantee of anonymity and support at any time. The free service will expand Missing People’s reach through a dedicated helpline, a WhatsApp channel, a 24-hour chatbot and a redesigned website offering advice for young people.
Missing People currently reaches nearly a quarter of children reported missing each year, and thanks to the support of our readers, SafeCall will now reach many more.
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
