Missing People launches new SafeCall lifeline after The Independent’s successful campaign
Thanks to his extraordinary generosity Independentreaders, charity Missing People launches new campaign Safe Search The service is a national lifeline designed to provide support for the 72,000 children who go missing in the UK each year.
The launch at 5pm on Tuesday follows the launch of the free, confidential service to support young people who are at risk of being lost, exploited or feel they have nowhere else to go, after this publication reached its fundraising target of £165,000.
Sir Keir Starmer, an early supporter of the initiative, said: “This is fantastic Independent’s The SafeCall campaign has raised over £165,000 to launch the new national lifeline to help reach more missing young people.
“This vital service is a testament to the generosity of the British people and will make a significant difference.”
Since its launch, the campaign has received support from Kate McCann, Sir David Beckham, Sir Stephen Fry, Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen and many others who have joined the campaign. Independent We call for better support for young people in times of crisis.
Jo Youle, the charity’s chief executive, said: “This is what collective action can achieve, and Missing People are incredibly proud to be delivering this service to the thousands of young people we know need it most.
“We are so excited and grateful to launch SafeCall. Independent and thank you to your readers for making this possible. “It is incredible to know that young people across the country will now have immediate, reliable support when they feel vulnerable or at risk.”
donate Here or donate £10 to Missing People by texting SAFE to 70577 – enough for one child to get help.
Sir Stephen Fry, one of the first celebrities to back the publication’s campaign, said: “As boss of Missing People, I couldn’t be prouder to see SafeCall launch a service to help ensure young people can get the right support at the right time.
“We wouldn’t be here today without SafeCall’s incredible support. Independent and generous readers. I can’t thank you all enough. “Your commitment to Missing People will be felt for generations to come by young people who truly need help and understanding.”
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief IndependentHe said: “We’re delighted that SafeSearch is now live, just two months after fundraising began. This ground-breaking service will mean young people who are considering leaving home or have already done so can get instant help to get them to a safe area, reunite their families and rebuild.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this, our readers, supporters and the young people who helped create SafeCall. Together, we have created a lasting legacy that will save lives year after year.”
Within the scope of the campaign, Independent He spoke to those who live with the pain of an empty chair at home, to people who once felt missed, afraid and alone, and to many others who work tirelessly to ensure vulnerable children get the help they need.
Among them was Chereece Bateson, who disappeared 27 times in one month as a teenager and said SafeCall could change everything for her.
“I would realize that I wasn’t on my own. There would be someone listening to me, advocating for me. It would give me the opportunity to escape, which is what I desperately needed,” she said.
Independent He also spoke to Leon Towers, who at age 14 had nowhere to go, got lost and was trafficked into a pedophile ring.
J Grange, who disappeared at the age of 13 after falling into depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts while struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, said: Independent: “The easiest option for me was to escape, run and get lost.
“If something like this had happened when I was younger, I wouldn’t feel everything I feel, I wouldn’t be lost all the time. It’s very important that people donate and see this as an important cause, because we don’t want another lost generation to be lost.”
A child is reported missing every 2.5 minutes in the UK, affecting more than 430,000 people each year. On average, one of these missing children will die every week.
The service was developed with the help and advice of more than 80 young people who have experienced what it is like to get lost.
The charity currently reaches one in four children reported missing and is setting out to reach more with the launch of SafeCall.
Even without phone credit, young people will still be able to reach the helpline to get non-judgmental support and advice, whether that’s help finding a safe place to stay or reconnecting with family or carers.
Charity boss Sir Trevor McDonald said: “The launch of SafeCall is an important moment for Missing People and, crucially, for the young people it exists to support. Having access to clear, compassionate help at the right time can change the course of a young person’s life.
“SafeCall offers that reassurance—a stable presence when things are uncertain or overwhelming. This service Independent and I would like to express my sincere thanks to its readers. Your support will ensure that young people are not left alone with difficult moments.”
Dame Esther Rantzen said: “This new service means there is finally a way for young people to seek help with confidence and hope. Being lost is a crisis; it is a pivotal moment to intervene and help on young people’s terms.”
Independent continues to raise funds to continue this service. Towards the end of this year, SafeCall will expand to include WhatsApp support and a chatbot.
Young people can access SafeCall daily on the free helpline 116 000 or via the charity’s online chat.
Please donate now The Independent and Missing People’s SafeCall 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
