Thousands To Receive A Level Results

The wait is almost over for thousands of A Level students as their results are set to be published tomorrow, Thursday 15 August.

Students and parents are advised to be prepared for all outcomes before collecting their results, with GCSE grades also due to be published next week, Thursday 22.

NI Direct has advised pupils to contact a careers adviser to ensure they make an informed choice regarding their next step, whether they achieve the grades they are expecting or not.

The Careers Service has a team of professionally-qualified advisers who offer impartial information and guidance to people of all ages.

The service will be available from 9am to 7pm on both results days, and students can make contact either online or by calling 0300 200 7820.

The NI Direct website features informative resources on various apprenticeships and training options, staying on at school, student finance, student housing, taking a gap year and finding a job.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to young people who are receiving exam results about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

Based on the notion that some cases can lead to excess drinking or drug taking, the organisation said its important that everyone is made aware of the risks as they navigate this often uncertain time.

Davis Turkington, Senior Health and Wellbeing Improvement Officer with the PHA, said: "Parents' attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol and drugs have a strong influence on young people. Parents can make the first move and talk frankly about the dangers of binge drinking and encourage young people to have fun with friends without alcohol.

"If they are of the legal drinking age, encourage them to take care if they choose to drink. Staying within the safe drinking limits is important, as excessive drinking can have lasting effects on health, such as damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach. Warn them of the dangers of mixing alcohol and other drugs, such as caffeine."

Parents and guardians are urged to consider the effect their own drinking behaviour can have on young people, and support them in making the right choices.

Mr Turkington also highlighted the health risks associated with drug taking. "You can never be sure what has gone into the drugs, therefore the PHA strongly recommends that you do not take them," he commented.

"Parents and guardians can play an important role in helping young people understand these risks, so they don't choose to take drugs without realising the harm they could be exposing themselves to. If someone has taken drugs and is feeling unwell, please seek medical help urgently."

Results time can also have an impact on young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Mr Turkington added: "Not getting the grades they hoped for can result in feeling anxious or low. Disappointment is an understandable reaction, however it is also important not to neglect the possible impact of this stress on mental and emotional wellbeing."



(JG/MH)