Support for professionals

SafeCall provides confidential free support and guidance for young people who have left or are thinking of leaving their home or place of care, and those at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation.

SafeCall is operated by Missing People, a UK-based charity with years of experience supporting young people at a point of crisis.

SafeCall offers a non-judgemental and safe space for those at risk to talk about their experiences in confidence. We can provide reassurance, support them to explore their choices, and help them formulate a safety plan.

As the service is anonymous, we do not require personal details from service-users. However, if a service-user provides personal details such as name, age, address, and goes on to disclose safeguarding concerns to us, safeguarding policies will be followed and information known will be shared with statutory services.

SafeCall allows young people to get in touch via phone call, text, or online chat. The anonymous service is available every day during our key operating times:

• Call – 10am – 5pm
• SMS – 10am – 10pm
• Online chat – 5:30pm – 10pm

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.

Modern slavery is a complex crime and may involve multiple forms of exploitation. It encompasses:

• human trafficking
• slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour

An individual could have been a victim of human trafficking and/or slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.

Victims may not be aware that they are being trafficked or exploited, and may have consented to elements of their exploitation, or accepted their situation. If you think that modern slavery has taken place, the case should be referred to the NRM so that the Single Competent Authority (SCA) can fully consider the case. You do not need to be certain that someone is a victim.

To find out more and to make a referral, go to National referral mechanism guidance: adult (England and Wales) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)