Having MECC Conversations

How to support health & wellbeing in when having conversations.

How MECC conversations changes behaviour?

MECC is an approach to behaviour change. It can be a very brief intervention lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, or even up to 20 minutes.

A helpful tool to keep in mind is Ask, Assist, and Act.

Start the conversation.

Take the opportunity to get the conversation going. This gives you a chance to build your understanding of the other person and explore how you might be able to help.

Tips:

Approach the conversation collaboratively. Start with opener, non-judgemental questions, as this helps create trust and allows you to gauge how responsive the other person is.

ASK

Share or find reliable information.

In light of your understanding, offer information (from reputable sources) that is personalised and appropriate. This helps ensure your responses are relevant and meaningful to the individual.

Tips:

Approach the conversation with curiosity and collaboration. Focus on listening and understanding before responding, and use open, non-judgemental questions to encourage engagement and build trust.

ASSIST

Signpost or refer for further support.

Take time to guide individuals towards appropriate tools, resources, and services that may support their wellbeing. Offer encouragement when suggesting self-care strategies or external support, helping them feel reassured and supported in taking positive steps.

Tips:

Approach this collaboratively and respectfully, recognising that different resources will suit different people. Provide options where possible, and support the individual’s autonomy by emphasising that any decision to use services or tools is entirely their own

ACT

An example…..

You’ve just bumped into an old friend who has moved into the area. As the conversation continues, they take out a cigarette, light it, and start smoking.

Ask: Have you ever thought about stopping smoking, or tried to quit before?

Assist: Explore their thoughts on smoking and quitting. Ask what might make it easier or harder for them to stop, and whether they feel they would like some support.

Act: Signpost them to local stop smoking services and national support resources. Offer information about tools such as nicotine replacement options, quit plans, and online support apps. Encourage them to explore what might work for them, making it clear that the choice is entirely theirs.

MECC in action, watch these examples.

Practical Tips

Examples of opener questiosn:

It sounds like weight loss is something you’ve been thinking about. I’m happy to have a quick chat and see what might help.

If things have been piling up or your head’s just felt a bit full lately, you don’t have to sort it all alone. We can sit down and talk it through together.

I noticed you mentioned smoking. Would you be open to a chat about it and any support that might help if you want to cut down or stop?

ASK

Asking open questions starting with what and how can be helpful e.g.

how does smoking fit in to your day at the moment?

What do you do at the moment to manage those high stress levels you mentioned?

Reflections allow us to validate and normalise the challenges that the person has shared with us. They can can boost confidence to make change and build trust between you and them.

It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot right now and that is understandably creating stress for you
Sharing your thoughts about wanting to lose weight is a great first step towards making change
That experience of giving up smoking in the past shows great strength

ASSIST

What would their next steps be?

What will they do?
When will they do it?
Where will they do it?
Who will they do it with, discuss it with?
How will they know its worked?

What is likely to get in the way of them taking those steps

Lack of information? Can we signpost them to relevant websites or resources?
Lack of skills, resources, support? Can we signpost them to relevant services?

You could direct them to the Healthy Harrow Support page, which provides a variety of directories and resources.

ACT