Publish date: 5 August 2022
With exam results just around the corner, many students and young people will be reflecting on their results and career choices over the next few weeks.
Ahead of the publication of A-level and GCSE results this month, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust is encouraging young people who are planning their next steps to consider a rewarding and fulfilling career in mental health.
The Trust, which supports and treats people with serious mental illness across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, offers a variety of opportunities from frontline clinical roles, to crucial non-clinical administration and support roles, including apprenticeships.
Julian Feasby, Director for People, at AWP, says: “There has never been a better time to join the NHS and carve out an exciting and rewarding career. We provide a variety of services across a large area, whether it’s working to support people with schizophrenia, eating disorders or helping new mothers with their mental health, there is a wealth of opportunity at AWP.
“We know that waiting for results can be a particularly anxious time, so whether you get the grades you wanted, have changed your mind about your next steps, want to gain some valuable experience or do something completely different, it’s worth considering a career at AWP.”
AWP is also encouraging students and their families awaiting exam results to look after each other and help reduce their anxiety.
Claire Williamson, Head of Psychological Therapies at AWP, said: “Many students and their families find waiting for results to be very stressful. This can often lead them to develop physical symptoms, such as stomach ache, increased heart rate and nausea, and can even lead to changes in behaviour, such as not wanting to pick up the results, or leaving them unopened. We would like to remind students that if the results you receive are not what you were expecting, there are always other alternatives available. Talking these through with family, friends and teachers can help you create a plan of action.”
Tips on coping with stress leading up to receiving results
- Talk to friends and family about your feelings – It is important to discuss how you feel with those around you. Talking about how you are feeling, and the causes of those feelings, will give others the opportunity to provide you with emotional and practical support. It may be especially helpful to talk to other students in a similar position to you, as this can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Look after yourself - Evidence suggests that as well as affecting our physical health, what we eat may also affect the way we feel. If your blood sugar drops, you might feel tired, irritable and depressed. Eating regularly and choosing foods that release energy slowly will help to keep your sugar levels steady.
- Get active - Regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake – Caffeine and alcohol can affect your sleep patterns. Poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health.
Claire continued: “Remember there are other options available. At AWP we have a variety of career opportunities available, from psychology and occupational therapy, to administrative and corporate roles, so why not find out more about the apprenticeships we have available.”
To find out more about working at AWP, click here. As well as a substantive role, you can join the AWP Bank, where you can fit your work around your family life or other commitments. To find out more about joining our Bank click here.
You can also visit our vacancies page here.
For advice on re-sits and re-marks
The National Careers Service has an exam results helpline where you can speak to a professionally qualified careers advisor. The number to call is 0800 100 900. The helpline is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays from Thursday 18th August to Friday 1st September. You can also access ongoing support from the National Careers Service by visiting www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/contact-us or searching for the National Careers Service on social media.
