STRESS:WITH LEAVING Certificate exam results due tomorrow, students have been advised that all is not lost if they do not get the grades they are looking for.
The Samaritans said yesterday that the build-up to exam results would be filled with tension for students as they contemplated their futures.
The charity stressed that its helpline - 1850 60 90 90 - was open to anyone who wished to contact it looking for support.
"We need to stop reinforcing the message that exam grades are the single most important fact in determining a young person's future," said Mary Malcolm, regional publicity officer with the charity. "They're not. Young people need to be reassured they are valued and that there are many different options open to them.
Students intent on hitting the town to celebrate their results tomorrow have been urged to take care. Drinkaware.ie, an initiative set up by the drinks industry-sponsored group Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society), has issued guidelines to ensure that students stay safe.
The organisation is urging students to eat before they go out, carry an ID card, look out for their friends and plan ahead how they will get home safely.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has also issued a warning, saying it had seen an increase in the number of young men and women sexually assaulted while celebrating exam results. It said people could contact the Rape Crisis Centre 24- hour helpline at 1 800 77 88 88 for support.
• The Irish Timeshas launched a free results advice service, offering guidance to students on their Leaving Certificate results and CAO offers. Qualified guidance counsellors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) will be on hand to provide help and assistance to individuals.
The results advice line number is freefone 1800 946 942. Phone lines will be open from 8am-8pm.
E-mail queries should be sent to advice@irish-times.ie
A special Irish Timespodcast providing essential guidance for students will also be available on irishtimes.com from tomorrow morning.
