The Independent has announced that its SafeCall campaign has reached its £165,000 target to establish a new national helpline for missing young people across the UK. The funding, raised through public donations and support from charity Missing People, will enable the launch of a free, round-the-clock service aimed at the 72,000 children who disappear in the UK each year.
Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, expressed gratitude to readers and The Independent team, stating that the milestone allows the charity to build and launch SafeCall in 2026. The service will provide confidential support to young people who feel scared, isolated, or at risk, with anonymity guaranteed and assistance available at any hour.
The campaign received backing from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said all young people “deserve safety”, as well as public figures including Kate McCann, Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Esther Rantzen, Sir David Beckham, and Lorraine Kelly. Actor Amelia Bullmore and Sam Hoare also voiced support, emphasising the need for early, confidential support for vulnerable youth.
The Independent’s editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, thanked readers for their generosity, noting that journalism matters most when it leads to action. He encouraged further donations, stating that for a child who feels lost, it could mean everything. The campaign also highlighted the stories of families still searching for missing loved ones during the Christmas season.
