Football legend Sir David Beckham has thrown his considerable weight behind a vital new campaign to protect vulnerable young people across the United Kingdom. The former England captain is lending his support to The Independent's SafeCall appeal, a partnership with the charity Missing People, which seeks to establish a crucial new service for children in crisis.
A New Lifeline for Young People
Using his platform to reach an audience of 88 million Instagram followers, Beckham shared a powerful message of support. "It's heartbreaking that 70,000 children go missing in the UK every year," he wrote. "I'm delighted to support The Independent and Missing People UK charity to help launch SafeCall, a new 24-hour lifeline for vulnerable and missing young people to find safety."
The urgent campaign aims to raise £165,000 to fund a free, round-the-clock service specifically designed with young people's needs at its core. This essential resource will provide immediate advice, guidance, and a direct route to safety for children who are at high risk of exploitation or harm.
Beckham's Legacy of Charitable Work
Sir David's endorsement comes fresh from his knighthood investiture at Windsor Castle, an honour that recognised his decades of service both on the football pitch and through his extensive humanitarian efforts. His commitment to children's welfare is long-standing, notably through his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the founding of the 7 Fund to support vulnerable children globally.
He is joined by a host of other high-profile supporters, including Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Esther Rantzen, and celebrated crime novelist Sir Ian Rankin. Sir Stephen described the SafeCall initiative as "a beacon of hope for young people who feel lost and unseen," emphasising that every child deserves the chance to be safe and heard.
The Stark Reality of Missing Children
The driving force behind the campaign is a sobering statistic: an estimated 70,000 children are reported missing each year in the UK. Many disappear repeatedly, often due to complex issues linked to exploitation, family breakdown, or mental health struggles.
Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, stated: "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." She confirmed the service is built on over 30 years of experience and is specifically designed by young people to address the challenges they face today.
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, expressed his pride in launching the campaign, stating that with the help of readers and supporters, they can make a real difference in tackling the national crisis of missing children.
How you can help: Readers can support the SafeCall campaign by donating online or by texting SAFE to 70577 to give £10 – enough to help one child receive the critical support they need. For anyone needing immediate help, the free and confidential Missing People helpline is available on 116 000.
