SafeCall Lifeline Launches to Support Vulnerable Children Across the UK
In a significant development for child welfare, the charity Missing People has officially launched its new SafeCall service, a national lifeline designed to reach the 72,000 children who disappear in the United Kingdom every year. This initiative follows a successful fundraising campaign by The Independent, which raised over £165,000 to bring this vital resource to fruition.
Campaign Success and High-Profile Backing
The launch, which took place at 5pm today, marks the culmination of a two-month fundraising effort that garnered widespread support. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, an early advocate, praised the campaign, stating, "It's fantastic The Independent's SafeCall campaign has raised over £165,000 to launch the new national lifeline to help reach out to more missing young people. This vital service is a testament to the generosity of the British public and will make an important difference."
The campaign also attracted endorsements from notable figures, including:
- Kate McCann
- Sir David Beckham
- Sir Stephen Fry
- Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen
These individuals joined The Independent in calling for enhanced support for young people during moments of crisis, highlighting the collective action that made SafeCall possible.
Impact and Testimonials from Those Affected
Jo Youle, Chief Executive of Missing People, expressed immense pride in the service, noting, "This is what collective action can achieve, and Missing People is immensely proud to bring this service to the thousands of young people we know need it most. We're so excited to launch SafeCall and deeply grateful to The Independent and its readers for making this possible."
The service was developed with input from more than 80 young people who have lived experience of going missing, ensuring it meets their needs. Testimonials underscore its potential impact:
- Chereece Bateson, who disappeared 27 times in a month as a teenager, said SafeCall could have provided crucial support and escape.
- J Grange, who went missing at 13 due to undiagnosed ADHD, emphasized that such a service might have prevented his repeated disappearances and feelings of isolation.
- Leon Towers, trafficked as a missing 14-year-old, represents the severe risks faced by vulnerable youth.
Statistics reveal the urgency: a child is reported missing in the UK every 2.5 minutes, affecting over 430,000 people annually, with an average of one child dying each week.
Service Features and Future Expansion
SafeCall offers a free, confidential helpline accessible via phone at 116 000 or online chat, providing non-judgemental support even without phone credit. The service aims to help young people find safe accommodation or reconnect with family. Currently, Missing People reaches one in four reported missing children, with SafeCall set to expand this reach.
Looking ahead, the charity plans to introduce WhatsApp support and a chatbot later this year, enhancing accessibility. The Independent continues to raise funds to sustain the service, with donations supporting its ongoing operation.
Sir Stephen Fry, a patron, remarked, "SafeCall simply wouldn't be here today without the incredible support of The Independent and its generous readers. Your commitment to Missing People will be felt by young people who truly need help and understanding, for generations to come."
This launch represents a critical step in addressing the crisis of missing children, offering hope and practical assistance to those in need across the nation.
