SafeCall

Last winter, we worked with The Independent to raise funds that would help us launch SafeCall. In total this incredible campaign raised over £180,000.

As part of the campaign, The Independent told the stories of missing children across the UK, raised awareness of the shocking statistics around the issue, highlighted our invaluable work, explained why young people go missing, and let readers know what they could do to help.

The campaign was backed by Sir Keir Starmer, Sir David Beckham, Sir Stephen Fry and many others as together they called for better support for young people at moments of crisis.

SafeCall was 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 us at every stage of the development of SafeCall, and have co-designed, developed and piloted the service.

One of the ‘Youth Advisors’ we worked with was Chereece. She told us, “As a teenager, I went missing repeatedly.” She goes on, “At my lowest point, I disappeared 27 times in a single month. I wasn’t running away for attention, I was trying to survive. I felt unsafe, unheard and alone, with no one to turn to when I needed help most. SafeCall is the service I wish had existed when I was younger.”

Thanks to Chereece and the other Youth Advisors, SafeCall can be there for the next young person in crisis.

Just one week after launch, young people are already reaching out. Some share experiences of feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or on the brink of running away. Others contact SafeCall in moments of acute crisis: an 18-year-old frightened after sexual violence, unsure who to trust or what support means; a 16-year-old struggling with mental health, missing repeatedly and feeling unable to cope despite multiple services being involved. In each case, SafeCall provides calm, confidential support.

Too many young people go missing because they feel unheard, trapped or overwhelmed. SafeCall offers a safe space to talk openly, without judgement.

Every missing episode has a reason. With support from SafeCall, young people can find hope, stability, and the chance to move forward.