A New Lifeline for Vulnerable Young People
The Independent has launched a vital new campaign in partnership with the charity Missing People, aiming to create a crucial support service for the thousands of children who go missing in the UK every year. The SafeCall appeal, announced by Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig, seeks to raise £165,000 to fund this free, round-the-clock service designed with input from young people themselves.
The Stark Reality of Missing Children
Every year, more than 70,000 children are reported missing across the United Kingdom. Behind this statistic lies immense hidden misery for the children, their families, and their communities. Many of these vulnerable young individuals find themselves with nowhere to turn in their moment of greatest need. The SafeCall service is designed specifically to change this, offering confidential support, expert advice, and a clear route to safety at any time of day or night.
Building on a Legacy of Change
This new initiative follows the remarkable success of last year's Brick by Brick campaign, which The Independent ran in partnership with Refuge. Thanks to overwhelming reader generosity, that appeal raised over £575,000 – enough to fund two new safe houses for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. This achievement demonstrated the powerful change that can happen when a community pulls together, and The Independent is now calling on its readers to help create another lasting legacy.
Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a direct and measurable impact:
- £10 could help a vulnerable child speak to a trusted adult in complete confidence via SafeCall.
- £30 can fund the training of a SafeCall volunteer ready to support children who are missing and exploited.
- £100 could give hundreds of children access to vital advice throughout the night via a new SafeCall chatbot.
While many missing children are found quickly, others are not, and every minute that passes increases the risk of harm. SafeCall aims to be a constant, reliable presence – a lifeline, not a headline. This service will be available 24 hours a day, created for children who too often feel invisible and alone. If you value The Independent's commitment to clear reporting, compassion, and belief in change, please help reach the £165,000 goal and bring more missing young people to safety.
