Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly has thrown her support behind The Independent's SafeCall campaign, which aims to raise vital funds to help missing children find safety and support. The Scottish presenter joins Sir Keir Starmer and Sir David Beckham in backing the appeal, which seeks to fund a new service for the 70,000 children reported missing in the UK each year.
Speaking about the campaign, Kelly said: "Going missing is a sign that something in a child’s life is very, very wrong, and yet we’re not getting children the help they need. SafeCall can reach children where they are, offering a trusted voice, confidentiality, and showing them a safer way forward."
Kelly has been a champion of children's welfare throughout her decades-long career. She began as a reporter for the East Kilbride News at 17, later becoming a presenter for Good Morning Britain in 1984 and an original host for GMTV in 1993. She has hosted her weekday morning show, Lorraine, since 2010. She is a patron of the Archie Foundation and Rosie's Rainbow Fund, and received a CBE in 2021 for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
The Independent is aiming to raise £165,000 to help launch SafeCall, a free service that will provide confidential support and guidance to children in crisis. With nearly 600 children going missing every day in the UK, donations are urgently needed.
Kelly added: "Specially trained helpline staff can talk them through their options and help connect them to services that can make them safer. Please help The Independent and Missing People launch SafeCall as quickly as possible and help a child reach safety."
Supporters can donate by texting SAFE to 70577 to give £10, or visit the campaign page. For advice and support, the charity Missing People can be contacted free and confidentially on 116 000 or via missingpeople.org.uk.
