Northamptonshire's young people should 'keep talking to someone you trust' as they receive exam results today

Healthwatch Northamptonshire says the confusion around exam results has caused "pain and distress" for the county's young people and their families.

The exam results process is always stressful and there is inevitably disappointment as well as jubilation. However, this year the process has been particularly difficult.

For some young people, this will result in additional pressure that can affect their physical and/or mental health as they grapple with planning for their futures during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire chair David Jones said: “The challenge for Northamptonshire is to develop realistic plans to address the needs of young people going forward, including the inequalities that can lead to poorer health and quality of life.

“Our advice to young people who are in distress or despair today is to keep talking to somebody you trust: parent, teacher, friend” David Jones urged. “If necessary, contact the school nurse, one of the crisis cafes, Samaritans or Young Minds. Today may seem bleak but new options will emerge.”

Links to places of support can be found on the Healthwatch Northamptonshire website.