Turning bad exam stress into good exam stress

by The Spark Counselling | Mar 17, 2020 | Children and Young People, education, exam stress, mental health, stress, the spark, Tips, young people

Is there such a thing as good exam stress? If you are in fourth or fifth year at high school, you may be experiencing exams for the first time. You will have had tests – and plenty of them – in the past, but this is different. Instead of sitting in a classroom...

Student counselling services under pressure

by The Spark Counselling | Sep 6, 2018 | couples and individuals, education, mental health, news, Partnerships, relationships, the spark, topical, young people

As universities and colleges prepare for the start of the new term, one major talking point continues to dominate the headlines: mental health support for students. Prior to the summer break, research laid bare the extent of the challenges facing further education...

Starting secondary school: a guide for parents

by The Spark Counselling | Aug 8, 2018 | Children and Young People, education, families, mental health, parenting, relationships, Society, the spark, Tips, topical, young people

Starting secondary school can be daunting for children and their parents. To help smooth the transition our team of Children and Young People Counsellors have put together their top tips on helping your child prepare for starting secondary school. Ask: how are you...

University guide: feeling isolated

by Megan McCafferty | Nov 4, 2019 | education, mental health, young people

Moving to a new area and starting at university is a hugely exciting step for young people. Finding a new social circle, sharing halls or living with new flatmates creates wonderful opportunities to enjoy new experiences and make lasting friendships. Many students...

Mental health conference targets bright future for Scotland’s young people

by The Spark Counselling | Sep 6, 2018 | Children and Young People, education, families, mental health, news, parenting, relationships, Society, the spark, topical, young people

Recently The Spark was delighted to attend NHS Health Scotland’s conference on improving the mental wellbeing of children and young people. The event covered a wide range of key topics on the subject of youth mental health. Led by Shirley Windsor, the head of Public...

3 exam myths busted

by The Spark Counselling | Apr 24, 2018 | Children and Young People, counselling resources, education, families, mental health, the spark, Tips, topical, young people

Exams are on the horizon for young people up and down the country. So we decided it was time to bust a few exam myths which can create unnecessary stress and anxiety before exams. Exam myths busted #1: poor exam results will ruin your life Exams are a part of your...