by promocymru_admin | 5th Nov 2012

The Welsh Government have recognised MEIC‘s contribution to youth advice and advocacy, and how important it is for young people to always have access to advice and be able to have their voices heard. Because of this, they have granted an additional £100,000 funding for MEIC to help make the service even better. This will mean, among other changes, a faster response time for everyone contacting MEIC.

The funding was announced by Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, in order to meet the growing demands of children and young people needing advice and advocacy.

Gwenda Thomas said: “I am aware of the huge difference MEIC makes to the lives of children and young people. Children and young people time and time again tell us about the value that they place on advocacy support and how it can change their lives for the better.

“I believe that providing advocacy and advice to children and young people can better safeguard them and prevent problems and issues from escalating further.

“Children and young people should expect to be protected from harm, to have education and things to do outside school, to be listened to when they are not happy, to have an opinion and be involved in decisions that affect them. It is our place to ensure that this happens.”

Sian Pitman, Project Manager of MEIC, said: “This additional investment by the Welsh Government in the MEIC Service is fantastic news and welcomed by everyone involved. The number of contacts with the service is increasing steadily and this investment will allow us to expand our team of Adviser Advocates, ensuring young people get access to the support they need around the clock.”