Young people across Lanarkshire are being reminded mental health and wellbeing support is available during the exam period.
Sitting exams can be a time of great pressure for teenagers and their families, with many young people experiencing stress, anxiety or worries about school, results and the future.
The Lanarkshire Children and Young People Mental Health Resource Directory brings a range of support services together in one place. It includes information on organisations and resources that can help young people manage stress and anxiety.
Young people can also access Kooth, a free digital mental health and wellbeing platform for people aged between 10-18, and up to 26 for young people who are care-experienced. Kooth offers safe and accessible online support with the option to speak to trained professionals.
PeerChat, a new one-to-one digital peer support service from The Mix is also available for young people. Trained peer supporters provide a safe and confidential space to talk about mental health, stress and everyday worries through 45-minute webchat sessions.
Vicki Trim, Health Improvement Lead, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Exam time can be a very challenging and stressful time for young people and families, so it’s important they know support is there for them.
“Services such as Kooth and PeerChat offer safe and accessible ways for young people to talk, feel heard and get the right support at the right time.
“I’d encourage parents, carers and our partner organisations to help raise awareness of these resources during the exam period. By signposting to the Lanarkshire Children and Young People Mental Health Resource Directory, Kooth and PeerChat, we can help young people across Lanarkshire feel they are supported at this stressful time.”
