Pass The Meic
There's been a lot of talk in the news lately about Meic (pronounced 'Mike'), a new service for young people in Wales which launched on Friday.
It's received a lot of attention: the Deputy Minister for Children, the Children's Commissioner for Wales and some local celebrities were all involved in the launch.
Aled Haydn Jones, presenter of Radio 1’s advice show The Surgery and producer of The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show, described it as a service that will "ensure that [young people] in Wales are given a voice to help empower them and ensure that they have positive life experiences."
Now, politicians and celebrities are one thing but what I really want to hear are young people's opinions: as they are the ones who will be using this service, their voices are the most important of all. As this is a brand new service and not many young people have had a chance to use it yet, I thought I'd get the ball rolling...
So today I went down to their offices in Cardiff Bay to find out first-hand exactly what Meic is all about, and to separate the facts from the rumours. They showed me how the service works and answered the questions I had. It was a worthwhile trip and I learnt a lot about the project.
Below I've written up my own summary of what Meic is, and what its benefits are to young people. I hope that you'll find it clearer than some of the long-winded news reports out there. Please feel free to add your thoughts as a comment or write your own article, especially if you've used the service.
So what is Meic?
It's a confidential helpline designed for our generation: while you can still phone them up if you want, that's not the only way to get help and advice personally I hate making phone calls and much prefer sending a text, writing an email or talking over Internet Messengers (like MSN or Facebook Chat). It seems I'm not the only one, and Meic have made sure you can reach them on any of these options. Anyone under the age of 26 can use it.
Is it free?
Yup. 100%
So it's like ChildLine or The Samaritans?
No, not at all. The word Meic is short for meicroffon ('microphone' in Welsh) because that's basically what the service is: a platform to make yourself heard. Their job is to serve as your microphone; to ensure that the views of young people in Wales are listened to and taken seriously. They are connected with the Welsh Assembly Government and National Youth Advocacy Service, so they will make sure your views are heard by the people who can change things.
While you can talk to Meic about anything, if it's a serious problem they will refer you to the people best able to help, which could be a group like ChildLine. Don't be dissuaded to contact them with serious concerns, but equally don't feel that you're wasting their time if you want to talk about something more trivial.
Give me some examples of what I could talk about.
Perhaps you feel you're being treated unfairly at work, but don't want to complain for fear of being fired. Maybe people are making decisions that affect your life, and not listening to your point of view when making those decisions. These are both classic examples of dilemmas young people can find themselves in and need help breaking out of. The role of Meic is not to give you counselling or sympathy, but to ensure your point of view is recognised and respected.
Don't be afraid to talk about whatever is on your mind, no matter how big or small. Here are a few more examples of concerns Meic could help with:
If a facility or service you use changes or stops
If you have been excluded from somewhere but don't feel it was your fault
If you feel you are not getting anywhere with a service or help you're currently receiving
When you don't understand something, and need advice
When you are worried or concerned about something, and not sure who the right people to speak to are (they will put you in touch with the right service for you)
And what are your thoughts on it?
Well, this is a question I can't fairly answer on my own. But after talking with the Meic staff I have to say I'm very impressed with what I've seen of their service, and am eager to hear reports from people who have used it.
I'm excited to see this project develop. My job at CLIC is to encourage young people to express themselves through creative means; to get what's in your head and heart out on display to the world. In our own way, we provide a platform for young people to be noticed.
Have you used Meic? Do you think you will when you need help or advice?
What do you think about the project? Leave a comment below and let us know your opinions.
Links:
Official Meic Website: www.meiccymru.org/
BBC News: Advice service for young people in Wales launched
Daily Post: Young people's helpline is first in UK
Welsh Assembly Government webpage
1 Comment – Post a comment
Scattered
Commented 72 months ago - 21st May 2010 - 14:26pm
Please tell me this is their hold music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBZYBL0KYdI