Exam help offered to Renfrewshire kids

Aug 7 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

AS teenagers in Renfrewshire discover their exam results today, a leading helpline for young people is offering support to those left feeling anxious.

ChildLine is encouraging young people to contact them by phone or online with concerns about exam results.

Elaine Chalmers, head of ChildLine in Scotland, said: “We hear from lots of young people each year who are panicking about their results and we want to let them know that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

If young people are stressed about their results, or don’t get the passes they had hoped for, ChildLine has these tips:

l Tell a parent, carer, friend or teacher or, if you want to speak to someone anonymously, contact ChildLine in confidence

l Look at the options available to you, such as re-sitting, going to another university or college or changing to a similar course

l If you are able to re-sit, think about what you would do differently. You may need help with revision or there might be one area that you need to concentrate more on

l Don’t think that your whole future will be determined by your exam results. There are lots of things out there for you to do. Speak to your career advisor about the options

There is also lots of help and advice on the ChildLine website at www.childline.org.uk.

Young people can use the creative tools to express their feelings and talk to a counsellor via private messaging.

The helpline on 0800 1111 is also available to anyone who wants to speak to a counsellor about their results.