Dr Ranj Singh becomes latest star to support The Independent’s SafeCall campaign for missing children
Dr Ranj Singh becomes the latest star to be supported IndependentSafeCall campaign to create a new national lifeline for missing youth.
Famous doctor and former Definitely Come Dance The contestant backed the launch of the vital new service after donations surpassed £100,000 last weekend.
As momentum builds towards reaching the final target of £165,000, she appealed to readers to continue donating to “ensure no child feels alone, unheard or forgotten”.
The publication, alongside the charity Missing People, is raising funds to launch SafeCall, a free, 24-hour service designed by young people for young people, to help reach the more than 72,000 children who go missing in the UK every year.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
Dr. is also a television host, author and columnist. In a moving call to action, Ranj said: “It is such a terrifying reality that so many children and young people feel invisible at home, at school, even in care. Even at a young age, they bear the burden of mental health problems, family conflict and pressure from people who want to harm them. Every day, they make impossible choices just to feel safe, and then one day they disappear.”
No one, especially children, should feel this way and we cannot and should not accept it.
“SafeCall will make sure they are invisible no longer. It will give them someone who cares, someone who listens without judgment, and a way to find safety when everything feels dangerous. So I’m asking everyone to please join Independent and Missing People support this call. “Together we can ensure no child feels alone, unheard or forgotten.”
The 46-year-old joined prime minister Sir Keir Starmer in saying all young people “deserve safety” and urging the public to donate to the cause. Bafta-winning actor Monica Dolan, comedian and TV presenter Dara Ó Briain, author Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England captain Sir David Beckham and crime writer Sir Ian Rankin are among other prominent figures backing the call.
SafeCall will provide advice, guidance and a pathway to safety for children who are or are already lost, at risk of exploitation or harm. Many disappear repeatedly or due to exploitation, family breakdown or mental health-related issues. The new service will offer them a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and website.
Dr Ranj is an active supporter of Missing People and an advocate for this issue. In March he hosted the charity’s annual Night of Light Gala, during which he highlighted the strong link between mental health and loss.
The TV doctor is also an ambassador for several UK charities, including WellChild, which helps young people with serious health conditions, as part of his support of a range of charities specifically focusing on children’s health, general wellbeing and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
He’s not just known for competing as a celebrity dancer in the BBC’s 16th series. Definitelyalso to work as a junior doctor at ITV This Morning for five years. Before this he was co-creator and presenter of the CBeebies show. speedy recovery Co-hosted from 2012 to 2015 and thereafter Save Money: Good HealthWith Sian Williams. He also won Cooking with the Stars In 2022.
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
