Missing People has launched a new WhatsApp service to reach children in crisis, following a successful campaign by The Independent. The service, part of the charity's SafeCall offering, provides free and confidential support to young people who have gone missing or are at risk.
SafeCall lifeline launched after campaign
The Independent set out last November to raise funds for SafeCall, and after raising £165,000, the helpline was launched in January. Now, thanks to the generosity of readers, a WhatsApp channel has been added to allow children to send a quick message if they do not want to talk on the phone.
The charity's head of digital development, Amy Walker, said: "Thanks to the support from The Independent and their readers, we have added WhatsApp as a channel for young people to reach us when they need us most. They have been asking to access our non-judgemental and empathetic team via WhatsApp for years, and it is exciting that we can finally fulfil their request."
Young people in crisis now have another safe place
The launch coincides with International Missing Children's Day. A child is reported missing every 2.5 minutes in the UK, and every week, a missing child will die. The new service allows young people to speak with the charity anonymously between 10am and 10pm daily.
More than 40 per cent of children contacting Missing People's helpline are experiencing poor mental health, and nearly one in four disclose risks linked to suicide. Some 53 per cent are experiencing issues with families or relationships.
One 15-year-old called the charity after being kicked out of home with nowhere to stay. Missing People spoke with them about support available and encouraged them to contact social services.
Ros, a 19-year-old who had been self-harming, received a message from Missing People after being reported missing. She spoke with staff confidentially and avoided further self-harm, eventually agreeing to contact police for help.
Campaign backed by high-profile figures
The Independent's campaign has drawn support from prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, former footballer Sir David Beckham, Childline founder Esther Rantzen, TV presenter Sir Stephen Fry, and Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine. An additional £300,000 was raised at the charity's annual gala event.
The Independent continues to call for public funding to keep the service running. Young people can send a WhatsApp message to +44 7723 402 392 or contact SafeCall via the free helpline 116 000 or online chat.
