The Independent's Christmas charity appeal, the SafeCall campaign, has successfully raised £100,000 in under a month, providing a vital lifeline for the thousands of young people who go missing across the UK every year. The initiative aims to fund a free, confidential, and non-judgmental service designed by and for vulnerable children.
A Cry for Help from the Streets
The campaign highlights the harrowing reality faced by children in care. Chereece Bateson, now 24, recounted escaping from care 27 times in a single month as a teenager. "I had no control over my life," she told The Independent. "My way of gaining that control back was to escape. I felt safer being on the streets than in care homes with strangers." Her direct experience has been instrumental in shaping the SafeCall service to ensure it meets the real needs of those it seeks to help.
Jade Knight, a 23-year-old ambassador for the charity Missing People, went missing more than 50 times as a child. "For anyone who feels like they want to disappear, please know that there is support out there for you," she urged. "Just because you feel this way now doesn't mean you will feel this way for ever."
Building a Confidential Support Network
Every year, a staggering 72,000 children are reported missing in the UK, with more than half having experienced conflict, abuse, or neglect at home. While most return, every single one requires support. Currently, the charity Missing People reaches only about one in four of these children.
The funds raised will enable the launch of a multi-channel support system, developed with input from people like Ms Bateson. This will include:
- A dedicated telephone helpline.
- A secure WhatsApp channel for discreet contact.
- A 24-hour automated chatbot for immediate assistance.
The goal is to make it as easy as possible for a young person who has gone missing, or is considering it, to find confidential help.
Celebrity Backing and a Chilling Warning
The campaign has garnered support from high-profile figures including Sir David Beckham, Dame Esther Rantzen, and Sir Stephen Fry—who himself disappeared for a period 30 years ago. Actor Monica Dolan, an ambassador for Missing People, gave a stark warning about societal indifference.
"The most frightening and most chilling thing is when people don't notice when [others] are missing," she said. "It says something profound about how much we care about people in our society and culture. I think there are many invisible people out there."
The appeal is now well over halfway towards its target of £165,000. The more money raised, the more young people can be reached. Readers can support the campaign by texting SAFE to 70577 to donate £10, or by contributing via The Independent's website.
