Put your wellbeing first, say Samaritans

Samaritans call on parents, teachers, students and employers to put wellbeing ahead of grades this exam season.

BY keeping results in perspective, they says young people are more likely to do themselves justice than if they face intolerable levels of pressure and stress.

The call comes as schools, colleges and universities get their exam season underway. It also echoes the theme of this week’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which is focusing on coping with stress.

Samaritans volunteer Alison Pratt, Director of Brighton, Hove and District branch of Samaritans, said: “Learning to manage your emotions is as important as learning to read and write. Teachers, employers and parents value good grades, and students put themselves under pressure to achieve. We urge anyone involved with young people and their studies to support them look after their emotional health and wellbeing. That way they are likely to cope better with the stress of exams and achieve more too. Whatever your stage in life, exams or not everything.”

Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans run a full programme of talks in local secondary schools.

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Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed because of work or exam pressure, or who is worried about someone else, can contact Samaritans free from any phone on 116 123. The number will not show on your phone bill.

Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your local branch of Samaritans where you can talk to a trained volunteer face to face.