A level results day is almost upon us – and vital help is at hand

A level and Level 3 VTQ results are out this Thursday, August 14, while the following Thursday (August 21) will be the turn of GCSE pupils and those who have taken Level 2 VTQs.

Since the next couple of weeks can be an anxiety-inducing time for many, this is where Lancashire County Council's vital Talkzone service comes in.

A specialist support service, Talkzone offers help and support to young people, with trained advisers who can speak in confidence, chat through exam results and discuss any other concerns.

It's even open on August Bank Holiday and at weekends.

As well as being on offer to students, Talkzone is also available to all young people between the ages of 12 to 19 years and up to 25-years-old for those with a disability.

It's contactable by telephone, email, text and web talk, and available from 2pm to 10pm every day - even including weekends and Bank Holidays.

In addition to contacting Talkzone, young people whose results aren't what they expected are urged to contact the university, college or further education provider that they had planned to attend and discuss the options and courses that are still available to them.

Nighat Parveen, Senior Manager East at Lancashire County Council's Children and Family Wellbeing Service, who manages the Talkzone service, said:

"Talkzone is available 365 days a year to offer information and support to any young person regarding any concerns they may have.

“My colleagues and I are on-hand to offer advice and support. We can help students to identify options and support for those who may not have a university place sorted out, or for those whose results have been better or worse than expected.

"Whether the issue is large or small, Talkzone is available to help, so please don't be afraid to call, text or contact us online."

Since Talkzone was set up 32 years ago, its advisers have responded to thousands of enquiries from young people on a huge range of issues.

County Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills at Lancashire County Council, said:

"We absolutely know that exam results season can be a stressful time for students and that some will appreciate knowing that support is available.

"We hope that everyone gets the results that they are looking for – but there are thoroughly trained, specialist advisers on hand to talk to anyone who would benefit from this.

"If you do need to talk to someone in confidence, you can speak with our trained advisers at Talkzone and chat through any thing from exam results, to finding work or training, to leaving home, or anything you are going through in your personal life. If you want to talk things through get in touch with Talkzone."

Young people can call Talkzone on 0800 511 111, text on 07786 511 111 or email talkzone@lancashire.gov.uk

Alternatively, get in touch through its access webtalk services or via Facebook.