How many children go missing in the UK annually according to Missing People?

Over 72,000 children are reported missing in the UK each year.

What is the SafeCall campaign aiming to achieve?

SafeCall aims to raise £165,000 to fund a new national service offering safety and support to missing and vulnerable young people.

What factors increase the risk of children going missing?

Factors include home conflict, abuse, neglect, being in care, and neurodivergence, which heighten vulnerability to exploitation.

Home / Crime and Justice / UK Missing Children Crisis: One Child Gone Every 2.4 Minutes

UK Missing Children Crisis: One Child Gone Every 2.4 Minutes

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Over 72,000 children go missing in the UK annually.
A new service, SafeCall, aims to guide vulnerable youth to safety.
The campaign has already raised over £100,000 towards its goal.

UK Missing Children Crisis: One Child Gone Every 2.4 Minutes

In the UK, an alarming number of children go missing each year, with figures indicating one child is reported missing approximately every 2.4 minutes. This crisis highlights the urgent need for specialized support systems.

The SafeCall campaign, a collaborative effort, has surpassed £100,000 in donations, marking a significant stride toward establishing a national helpline for at-risk youth. This service is designed to reach children facing conflict, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, offering them a confidential avenue for help.

With a target of £165,000, SafeCall intends to expand Missing People's reach through multiple channels, including a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp, a chatbot, and an informative website. The initiative seeks to provide a crucial safety net for the tens of thousands of young people who disappear annually.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.