Just SHOUT for support this exam results time

As young people across Fife receive their exam results, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership is reminding them that support is available if things don't go as planned.

While many young people will be celebrating their results, others may feel disappointed, overwhelmed, anxious or uncertain about what happens next if they didn't achieve the grades they hoped for.

SHOUT is a free, confidential text support service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any young person who needs support can text FIFE to 85258 for free to connect with a trained volunteer. Messages are confidential and do not appear on mobile phone bills.

Trained volunteers are available day or night to help young people cope with worries about exam results, future plans, stress, anxiety, loneliness, low mood, or any other challenges they may be facing.

Ruth Bennett, Health Promotion Manager, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "Receiving exam results can bring a mix of emotions. For some young people, results day may feel difficult, especially if they haven't achieved what they were hoping for.

"There are always options and support available. If you're feeling upset, worried or overwhelmed, don't struggle alone. We'd encourage any young person who needs support to just SHOUT."

SHOUT is one of a range of support services available and other useful links for support for services available in Fife are:

• Our Minds Matter – which has a range of mental health and wellbeing information for young people in Fife,
• ParentClub – the Scottish Government website for parents which contains advice and information.

If a young person needs help now, support is available from:

• NHS 24: 111 or in an emergency always phone 999
• Samaritans: 116 123 (open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day),
• Papyrus: 0300 102 2470 or text 88247 (open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day),
• Childline: 0800 1111 (open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day).