What if I need Meic after midnight?
Meic is no longer 24 hours. While you can call us anytime between 8am and midnight, we won’t be there to answer the phone if you call after midnight. But don’t worry; you haven’t been forgotten.
(This article is also available in Welsh – I ddarllen y cynnwys yma yn Gymraeg, clicia yma)
Is it an emergency?
If you think something might be an emergency that can’t wait until the morning (such as someone’s life being in danger), you can always calls 999.
During the early hours our phone line will connect you to services that are open and able to help you immediately.
There are three to choose from, and all you need to do is push a button and we’ll connect you automatically.
1. ChildLine
2. Samaritans
3. NHS Direct Wales
Below we’ll tell you a little bit about each service. You may find it helpful to bookmark their websites, especially if you prefer not speaking over the phone.
1. ChildLine
ChildLine is a free counselling service for everyone up to the age of 19.
You can talk to trained counsellors in private about anything you want. Everything you tell them will be kept secret (except in extreme circumstances).
As well as listening they can provide support: helping you explore your feelings and emotions, talking about a way forward, and helping you plan and reach decisions.
Contact ChildLine directly (includes 1-2-1 chat)
During the night there won’t be as many people answering the phone, so if you can’t get through right away visit their Contacting ChildLine during the night page.
2. Samaritans
Samaritans are there to listen to you. It doesn’t matter if you have one thing to say or a hundred; they won’t rush you.
Some people call Samaritans to offload their problems, while others just feel a bit lonely and fancy a chat. It’s completely up to you.
What you talk about is kept secret. They won’t pass on anything you say, no matter what.
3. NHS Direct Wales
NHS Direct Wales provides information and advice on medical issues, including health and wellbeing. They’re a good place to call if something isn’t serious enough to call 999, but you don’t want to wait until the doctor’s is open.
Their website also includes symptom checkers and health advice.
Visit NHS Direct Wales Website
For patients’ safety, all calls are recorded. Calls from landlines and mobiles cost 2p per minute, this will be in addition to the telephone providers access charge.