This campaign is seeking to raise £165,000 to launch ‘SafeCall’
‘SafeCall’ has been developed with and for young people, combining the expertise of Missing People and the lived experiences of a panel of young people. These ‘Young Advisors’ have worked with Missing People at every stage of the development of ‘SafeCall’, and have co-designed, developed and piloted the service. ’SafeCall’ will ensure multiple ways to get in touch, assured anonymity, and more advice and information geared towards young people and delivered in the way they need it.
The overall aim of the ‘SafeCall’ campaign is to get young, vulnerable people to safety as quickly as possible. Shocking statistics from Missing People show that six in 10 of all missing person reports are for young people in the 12–17 year old age group, while one in 10 children in care will go missing. Tragically, young people reported missing are at high risk of exploitation and homelessness.
This year’s Christmas campaign from The Independent follows the staggering success of 2024’s Brick By Brick partnership with Refuge, which raised over £500,000. As part of the ‘SafeCall’ campaign, The Independent will be telling the stories of missing children across the UK, raising awareness of the shocking statistics around the issue, highlighting Missing People’s invaluable work, explaining why young people go missing, providing advice to families, caregivers and schools, and letting readers know what they can do to help.
To support the campaign, The Independent’s readers will be asked to visit the ‘SafeCall’ appeal page www.missingpeople.org.uk/independent or Text SAFE* to 70577 with donating just £10, could fund a child to access the new ‘SafeCall’ service, giving them a trusted adult to talk to in complete confidence.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: “I am so proud to launch this campaign with Missing People. At The Independent we’re committed to making change happen and believe that the media has a critical role to play in shining a light on and helping to address the most pressing issues of our time.
“With the help of our readers and supporters we can make a real difference in tackling the crisis of missing children in this country. Together we can provide resources to support the 70,000 children that go missing in the UK each year and their loved ones.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, campaigner and founder of Childline, said: “So many young people who suffer exploitation don’t feel they can ask for help and be listened to, at a time when they are scared, alone and vulnerable.
“This new service means at last there is a way to enable them to seek help with confidence and hope. Going missing is a crisis – a crucial moment to intervene and help, on young people’s terms. It has been an honour to be by the side of Missing People and the young people they have helped during the development of this new service, over many years. I’m thrilled The Independent is supporting such an important cause.”
For advice, support and options, if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. It’s free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
