Dara Ó Briain turns into newest star to again The Independent’s SafeCall marketing campaign for lacking youngsters | EUROtoday

Dara Ó Briain has grow to be the most recent star to return The Independent’s marketing campaign to launch SafeCall, the very important lifeline for lacking younger individuals in disaster.

The comic and TV presenter urged the general public to donate to the enchantment, which reached greater than £75,000 in donations over the weekend, as momentum builds behind efforts to arrange the free, round the clock service.

Alongside the charity Missing People, this publication is aiming to boost £165,000 to fund a service designed by younger individuals, for younger individuals, to assist attain the 70,000 youngsters who disappear yearly within the UK.

Throwing his assist behind the marketing campaign, Mr Ó Briain mentioned: “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 right here or textual content SAFE to 70577 to offer £10 to Missing People – sufficient for one youngster to get assist.

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The charity at present reaches about one in 4 of the 70,000 youngsters reported lacking every year – and with readers’ assist, SafeCall goals to succeed in many extra.

The new service will present recommendation, steerage and a path to security for kids at risk of disappearing or already lacking, who’re susceptible to exploitation or hurt. Many disappear repeatedly or due to points linked to exploitation, household breakdown, or psychological well being. SafeCall will provide them a devoted helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and web site.

Mr Ó Briain’s name to motion comes after Sir Keir Starmer hailed the marketing campaign over the weekend. The prime minister mentioned that each one younger individuals “deserve safety” as he urged the general public to donate to the trigger.

They have each joined actor and author Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England captain Sir David Beckham and the crime author Sir Ian Rankin, who’re among the many different distinguished figures backing the enchantment.

Mr Ó Briain is an Irish slapstick comedian, in addition to a author and in style TV presenter, well-known in each Irish and British comedy and TV. He is beloved for his witty, observational humour delivered in a quick-fire method, and lots of will know him as the previous long-standing host of the topical panel present Mock the Week.

The comic’s assist for SafeCall comes as a part of a protracted historical past of his backing varied vital causes, together with homelessness, medical charities, and Irish neighborhood assist. He is an envoy for The Passage, a UK charity that helps homeless individuals, and he set a brand new Guinness World Records title for ‘highest stand-up comedy gig in the world’ in assist of Comic Relief in 2011.

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Jo Youle, chief govt of Missing People, mentioned: “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 Independentmentioned: “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 marketing campaign, which goals to boost £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service serving to weak youngsters discover security and assist.

For recommendation, assist and choices if you happen to or somebody you’re keen on goes lacking, textual content or name the charity Missing People on 116 000. It’s free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or go to www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help