Independent Research Highlights Meic’s Role in Supporting Young People in Crisis

National research explores how Meic provides a vital safety net for children and young people across Wales during their most difficult moments.

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A National Look at Crisis Support

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) conducted a project called CAMH-Crisis2 between 2023 and 2025. This study mapped out mental health crisis services for children and young people aged 25 and under in England and Wales. Researchers looked at how services are organised and how they’re experienced by people who use them.

Meic, the Welsh Government-funded information, advice, and advocacy helpline run by ProMo Cymru, was chosen as one of 8 specific case studies across the UK for in-depth exploration. Researchers interviewed both the staff who run the service and young people who have contacted Meic for support during a crisis.

The research highlights that Meic’s model of providing immediate, non-clinical support is more relevant than ever as Wales moves toward a new 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy.

Meic’s Unique Approach to Support

Meic is designed to be as accessible as possible, with no waiting lists, need for formal referrals, or clinical criteria to meet. We know that these barriers often stop children and young people from getting help when they first start to struggle.

By offering anonymous, multi-channel support, including text and online chat, we make sure that help is available the moment a young person needs it. This ‘low-threshold’ approach supports the Welsh Government’s new 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy, which focuses on a ‘whole-system’ approach aimed at providing same-day access to support.

As an open-access service, Meic provides stability during difficult times. By offering immediate, informal, and non-clinical support, we help children and young people navigate complex systems. This ensures that no one has to struggle in isolation while waiting for more formal, intensive services.

How Young People Experience Meic

The findings from the young people involved highlighted that Meic’s digital-first approach is a significant help. Participants noted that being able to text or chat online made them feel safer and less judged than speaking over the phone or travelling to an in-person location during a crisis. 

They particularly valued the continuity of the service, noting that they felt heard and supported in a way that other services (which they felt were “pushing them away”) did not offer.

The Role of Meic Staff and Team Practice

Staff interviews revealed a strong team culture focused on constant reflection and improvement. The research noted that while Meic began with a focus on advocacy and information, it has naturally evolved into a key resource for those experiencing mental health distress. 

The study found that Meic effectively manages complex situations through established partnerships with emergency services and clear communication about safeguarding with the young people who get in touch.

Future Standards for Care

The wider CAMH-Crisis2 project used Meic and seven other services to develop a set of national principles for high-quality crisis care. These include making support easy to access, being clear about what a service can offer, and ensuring staff have the right interpersonal skills to connect with young people. The research also emphasised that crisis services shouldn’t work in isolation but instead, need to be part of a joined-up system including education, health, and social care.

For ProMo Cymru, this independent research provides an objective look at the impact of Meic. It confirms that the service’s core principles of being accessible, anonymous, and non-judgemental align with what young people say they need most when they are struggling.

The full findings from the project can be explored on the NIHR website.