The new free and confidential support service is available to children and young people up to the age of 25 who are at risk of going missing, being exploited, or who feel unsafe and unsure where to turn
With 12 to 17 year olds accounting for 60% of all those missing each year, SafeCall has been designed by young people, for young people. More than 80 young people with lived experience shaped its development through consultation and advisory roles.
A child is reported missing every 2.5 minutes in the UK, around 210,000 incidents each year, or 575 every day. These disappearances affect far more than the child alone, impacting more than 430,000 people annually, including families and friends.
On average, one missing child dies every week, with 48 child deaths recorded between 2023 and 2024.
Geordie Greig, editor in chief of The Independent says: “We’re delighted that SafeCall is now live, just two months after fundraising began.
“The groundbreaking service will mean that young people who are thinking about leaving home — or who already have done so — can receive immediate help to get them to a safe space, reuniting and rebuilding families.
“To everyone who has been part of this — our readers, supporters and the young people who helped to create SafeCall — thank you. Together, we’ve created a lasting legacy – one which will save lives every year.
The service has been backed by prime minister Keir Starmer, who hailed the campaign, saying: “Every child deserves safety and support, which is why this initiative, designed by young people with young people in mind, is so important.
“I commend all those working to make this service a reality and urge those who can to consider supporting this cause.”
