Wales launches multi-media advice and information service for young people

Meic — the Welsh shorthand term for microphone — is available to young people aged 25 and under in Wales, via phone, text, mail or instant-messaging and it caters for both English and Welsh speakers on a confidential basis.

Wales Children's Commissioner Keith Towler said: "When you think about finding information there are usually two things which spring to mind: where to find it and will you trust the source? What Meic attempts to do is to provide a solution to both; a home to reliable and accurate information, a one-stop shop for children and young people."

The helpline will work alongside Childline by offering a different form of support which is less counselling-led and more focused on finding solutions to young people's issues through advocacy and advice.

Trained advisers will offer young people practical information or transfer them to independent advocates who are specially trained and on-hand to advise how best to deal with a particular issue.

Meic coordinator Gavin Thomas said: "We are very excited about the launch of Meic. The information, advice and advocacy helpline, which is a first at national level, aims to provide a single point of contact for children and young people in Wales.

"We have a number of highly trained staff from a variety of backgrounds, including independent professional advocates," he added.

The service is free and is being funded by Welsh Assembly Government, which has contributed more than £450,000 to the initiative.

Radio 1's presenter of advice show The Surgery and producer of The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show Aled Haydn Jones is backing the Meic helpline. "Children and young people face a wide range of issues and often feel like they struggle to get their voices heard. I had first-hand experience of this when I was growing up," he said.

The service is being provided through a collective partnership of the Welsh Assembaly Government, ProMo Cymru, national advocacy providers NYAS Cymru and Tros Gynnal, and support services ChildLine and the Samaritans.