Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has announced the launch of free online support groups specifically designed for students preparing for the Leaving Certificate examinations.
The support sessions will take place on Thursday, 22nd May and Thursday, 29th May at 6pm, offering students across Ireland a safe space to discuss exam-related stress and anxiety with qualified mental health professionals.
With the pressure of upcoming exams affecting tens of thousands of young people, these online groups aim to provide practical tools for managing stress, boosting confidence, maintaining focus, and combating negative self-talk during this challenging period.
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, highlighted the importance of these sessions:
“Exam season can be overwhelming for many students. These support groups are designed to equip students with strategies to help them manage their mental wellbeing, stay calm under pressure, and approach their exams with a more balanced mindset.”
Often described as one of the most stressful experiences in a young person’s academic life, the Leaving Certificate can create significant pressure to perform, fear of failure, and uncertainty about the future, all of which can impact mental health.
Each session will be led by a fully qualified, accredited psychotherapist and will cover essential topics including:
- Managing pre-exam anxiety and performance pressure
- Reducing negative self-talk and self-criticism
- Maintaining motivation and focus in the final days before exams
The charity has reported an increase in young people utilising their services during exam periods, prompting this targeted initiative.
“The Leaving Cert can feel like a mountain to climb, but having the right support and coping tools can make all the difference,” O’Malley added. “We’re encouraging students, and their parents or guardians, to check out Turn2Me.ie and take advantage of the free support we’re offering.”
Students interested in participating can register now at Turn2Me.ie.