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Appeal alongside Missing People charity to launch lifeline for young people in crisis hit more than £75,000 in donations over the weekend
Tara CobhamThursday 27 November 2025 05:00 GMT
CloseMissing People CEO on why SafeCall will be a lifeline for children
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Dara Ó Briain has become the latest star to back The Independent’s campaign to launch SafeCall, the vital lifeline for missing young people in crisis.
The comedian and TV presenter urged the public to donate to the appeal, which reached more than £75,000 in donations over the weekend, as momentum builds behind efforts to set up the free, round-the-clock service.
Alongside the charity Missing People, this publication is aiming to raise £165,000 to fund a service designed by young people, for young people, to help reach the 70,000 children who disappear every year in the UK.
Throwing his support behind the campaign, Mr Ó Briain said: “I’m proud to join The Independent and Missing People to support SafeCall, an urgently needed lifeline which will get children off the streets and into safety.
“That 70,000 young people go missing every year in the UK is a shocking fact – and one that we can come together to change. With your help, children will no longer be alone, out of immediate danger and helped into safer futures.”
Donate here or text SAFE to 70577 to give £10 to Missing People – enough for one child to get help.
open image in galleryDara Ó Briain has become the latest star to back The Independent ’s campaign to launch the desperately needed lifeline SafeCall for missing young people in crisis (BBC)The charity currently reaches about one in four of the 70,000 children reported missing each year – and with readers’ support, SafeCall aims to reach many more.
The new service will provide advice, guidance and a route to safety for children in danger of disappearing or already missing, who are at risk of exploitation or harm. Many disappear repeatedly or because of issues linked to exploitation, family breakdown, or mental health. SafeCall will offer them a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and website.
Mr Ó Briain’s call to action comes after Sir Keir Starmer hailed the campaign over the weekend. The prime minister said that all young people “deserve safety” as he urged the public to donate to the cause.
SafeCallThey have both joined actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England captain Sir David Beckham and the crime writer Sir Ian Rankin, who are among the other prominent figures backing the appeal.
Mr Ó Briain is an Irish stand-up comedian, as well as a writer and popular TV presenter, famous in both Irish and British comedy and TV. He is beloved for his witty, observational humour delivered in a quick-fire manner, and many will know him as the former long-standing host of the topical panel show Mock the Week.
The comedian’s support for SafeCall comes as part of a long history of his backing various important causes, including homelessness, medical charities, and Irish community support. He is an ambassador for The Passage, a UK charity that supports homeless people, and he set a new Guinness World Records title for ‘highest stand-up comedy gig in the world’ in support of Comic Relief in 2011.
open image in galleryThe charity currently reaches about one in four of the 70,000 children reported missing each year – with readers’ support, SafeCall aims to reach many more (Missing People)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. Built on over 30 years of experience, this new service is designed by young people for the challenges they face today. Together, we’re building a legacy of care, protection and hope. Together, we will change young lives.”
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: “I am so proud to launch this campaign with Missing People. With the help of our readers and supporters, we can make a real difference in tackling the crisis of missing children in this country.”
Please donate now to The Independent and Missing People’s SafeCall campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support.
For advice, support and options if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. It’s free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
