The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), have launched a special short movie to raise the awareness of their 116 000 Missing Children hotline.
The hotline, which launched in June of this year, aims to provide support and advice for young people and adults around the issue of missing children, 365 days a year.
The video itself is shot in the first person and follows a young girl Molly's steps across a city on her own. This powerful and emotional short movie highlights just one scenario that could occur when a child goes missing:
http://youtu.be/-ZkklDud8xc
“Since 2008 there have been over 30,000 missing children reports in Ireland so it is vital that the public is aware that the 116 000 service is in operation" said Ashley Balbirnie, CEO of the ISPCC.
"There are a variety of instances where children can go missing, including running away, parental or criminal abduction, lost or unaccompanied children.
"Any of these instances is very distressing for a child or their loved one, which is why we established this emotional support service. We once again remind people that the ISPCC 116 000 Missing Children's Hotline is not an emergency service. In the case of an emergency please telephone the Gardaí on 112/999. If you want to help raise awareness of this important issue please share the video with the hashtag #MissingChildren"
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- By dialling 116 000 the caller will be linked to someone they can talk to about the issue.
- 116 000 automated text support service. The Hotline can now send an automated supportive message, to a young person who is missing or thought to have runaway, to let them know about the hotline number; that it is a freephone number, that calls are not traced and that they can call in confidence. (This service will only be provided following receipt of written parental consent).
- Advice and guidance is also available on the Missing Children’s Hotline website; www.missingchildrenshotline.ie
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