The Independent and the charity Missing People have partnered on a Christmas fundraising appeal to launch a life changing service for the 70,000 children who go missing in the UK each year.
This campaign is seeking to raise £165,000 to launch SafeCall, a cutting-edge service to reach missing young people in need of help across the UK. This includes:
SafeCall has been developed with and for young people, combining lived experiences with the expertise of Missing 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 6 in 10 of all missing person reports are for young people in the 12-17 year old age group, while 1 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.
Missing People is the only UK charity that is there for missing children, adults and their loved ones. Offering free, confidential support to anyone affected by the issue. SafeCall, which has previously been supported by funding partners including BBC Children in Need, St James Place Foundation, and the People’s Postcode Lottery, will utilise this expertise and network of experienced partners and incorporate new technology that young people use and scale the impact of its existing services with a focus on missing young people.
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.
*T&Cs: Text costs £10 plus your network charge. Missing People (Charity No. 1020419, SC047419) receives 100% of your donation. Bill payer’s permission is required. We’ll ask for your consent preferences via text. CS: 02034047251.
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.”
Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive of Missing People, said: “Children facing harm or exploitation often feel invisible. SafeCall will be shaped by their voices—offering a safe, confidential space where they’re heard, supported, and protected. Built on over 30 years of experience, this new service is designed by young people, for the challenges they face today.
We’re deeply grateful to The Independent and its readers. Your extraordinary generosity is making this vision a reality—helping us reach children trapped in exploitation and guiding them to safety. Together, we’re building a legacy of care, protection, and hope. Together, we will change young lives.”
Sir Stephen Fry, Patron of Missing People, said: “As a patron of Missing People, I am delighted to see The Independent join forces with the charity to be there for the 70,000 children and young people who are reported missing each year in the UK. Together, we’ll be raising vital funds to build and launch a cutting-edge service for our times. SafeCall will be designed by young people so that it’s truly informed by their needs. Please join me in supporting this important campaign.”
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-judgmental.
Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
