Foundation Launches Kids “Help Me" Mobile App

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation (DMF) has released a groundbreaking, child safety mobile phone ‘Help Me’ app to help keep track of children.

The foundation says it has committed significant resources to deliver the new iPhone application that is believed to be a first of its kind in Australia, and possibly the world.

Amongst the key features, users will being able to send an SMS text message along with GPS co-ordinates of their whereabouts, to nominated people that form part of their trusted safety networks.

While the app has a focus on children, adults can just as easily use the app across a range of uses and scenarios, from age 7 to 97.

Daniel Morcombe was a 13-year-old Australian school-boy who was abducted from a bus shelter on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, on 7 December 2003. In August 2011 Brett Peter Cowan, a former Sunshine Coast resident, was charged with Morcombe's murder.

“In this day and age of technology it was a logical progression for us to offer a solution through mobile phone technology, particularly when we factor in the lessons learned from Daniel’s disappearance,” says Daniel’s father and founder of the DMF, Bruce Morcombe.

“We searched high and low for something in the market and couldn’t find anything to suit, so we decided to take a lead role in developing an app ourselves. It is a very real and practical tool for not only children but also for adults across a whole range of situations.”

The ‘Help me’ app is now available on the iPhone platform through iTunes for  99 cents and is aimed at being one of a number of safety tools, skills and behaviours to help people stay safe.

“We wanted to make it very affordable for children and parents so that it would always be there in case of a personal emergency. Plus the App also has a number of other great features that can be utilised as well,” says Daniel’s mother,Denise Morcombe.

In addition to the GPS location and warning sound, the app also features a Notes section that easily allows the user at the tap of the screen, to record any information relating to suspicious activity in their area. Plus there are quick phone connections to Emergency Services, general safety tips and educational videos on a range of subjects presented by personalities.

“We want to again reiterate to people that abduction is rare and that the first thing anyone should do is remove themselves from the situation. However, this app is about helping people in a broad range of personal emergency situations,” added Bruce Morcombe.

The App is currently available on the iPhone platform only and the Foundation is keen to work with potential partners to also make the App available on Android and Windows platforms.
Find out more at http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/