Sir David Beckham has joined The Independent’s SafeCall campaign to support missing children, urging the public to donate to a new 24-hour service that will provide help and safety to young people in crisis.
Posting to his 88 million Instagram followers, the former England captain wrote: “It’s heartbreaking that 70,000 children go missing in the UK every year. Please support The Independent and Missing People UK to help launch SafeCall, a new 24-hour lifeline for vulnerable and missing young people to find safety.”
The SafeCall campaign aims to raise £165,000 to fund a free, round-the-clock service designed with young people in mind. It will provide advice, guidance and a route to safety for children at risk of exploitation or harm. Readers can donate by texting SAFE to 70577 to give £10 to Missing People – enough to help one child get the support they need.
The appeal follows Sir David’s knighthood at Windsor Castle, awarded in recognition of his services to football and to charity. A long-time advocate for children’s welfare, the 50-year-old founded the 7 Fund with Unicef to support vulnerable young people around the world.
Sir David’s endorsement adds star power to the initiative, which has already received backing from Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Esther Rantzen and Sir Ian Rankin. Sir Stephen described SafeCall as “a beacon of hope for young people who feel lost and unseen”. Dame Esther added: “So many young people who suffer exploitation don’t feel they can ask for help and be listened to… This new service means at last there is a way to enable them to seek help with confidence and hope.”
Missing People estimates that around 70,000 children are reported missing each year in the UK. Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, said: “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.”
