Advice for North Yorkshire families ahead of GCSE results
NHS shares tips to support young people
NHS school mental health teams are sharing advice for parents and carers of young people on GCSE results day.
Wellbeing in Mind and Piece of Mind, part of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), work across schools in North Yorkshire, Durham and Darlington. They provide vital support for students experiencing emotional wellbeing difficulties.
Ahead of results day (Thursday 20 August), NHS professionals from the teams are offering practical tips for parents and carers with young people may be feeling anxious on results day.
“Your first reaction matters,” says Kerry Andrew, psychological therapist. “Your child may not remember every grade they got, but they will remember how you made them feel.
“Whatever is on their results sheet - there’s always options, there’s always next steps and there’s always support.”
Jess Ross, education mental health practitioner, says: “If a child is disappointed with their results, it can be really tempting for parents and carers to want to fix it straight away.
“However, give your child a little space and a little time to reflect. Try and normalise their feelings and be there for them.”
The team also encourage that parents and carers look after their own wellbeing too.
“Results day is so intense,” says Adam Davis, a whole school approach practitioner: “Make sure you reach out to a friend or teacher to support yourself and look after your own wellbeing.”
If parents and carers are worrying their child doesn’t want to talk about their results, Gillian Gentle, a whole school approach practitioner, advises: “Try not to take it personally. Find out if there’s anyone else close to them that they can speak to, like a teacher or sports coach.
“Encourage them to keep their connections with friends, stay active and do things they enjoy. This will remind them that there are more things to life than exam results.”
TEWV has launched a Results Day Hub, which brings together information, advice and links to support young people and parents and carers on results day and the days that follow – visit [www.tewv.nhs.uk/camhs-results-day-hub ](http://www.tewv.nhs.uk/camhs-results-day-hub |newtab)
For more information about mental health support for children and young people, visit the CAMHS home page – visit [www.tewv.nhs.uk/camhs.](http://www.tewv.nhs.uk/camhs-results-day-hub |newtab) In a mental health emergency, call freephone NHS 111 and select the mental health option (2).