{"id":77181,"date":"2025-09-01T11:18:05","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ascert.biz\/?p=77181"},"modified":"2025-09-01T11:18:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:18:05","slug":"supporting-pupils-starting-secondary-school-ascert-highlights-counselling-support-for-year-8-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devserva.inicodigital.com\/maina\/supporting-pupils-starting-secondary-school-ascert-highlights-counselling-support-for-year-8-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting Pupils Starting Secondary School: ASCERT Highlights Counselling Support for Year 8 Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

As thousands of children across Northern Ireland prepare to start Year 8, ASCERT, Northern Ireland\u2019s leading alcohol, drug and mental health charity, is shining a light on the emotional challenges many face during this key transition, and the support available through the <\/span>HOPE Counselling Service<\/span><\/b> in post-primary schools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

The first days at secondary school can bring excitement, but also anxiety. New classmates, bigger buildings, increased homework, and unfamiliar routines can feel overwhelming for young people. The 2023 Kids\u2019 Life and Times (KLT) survey of 11-year-olds in Northern Ireland found a decline in overall wellbeing compared to previous years, with many children reporting worries about peer relationships, family dynamics, and pressure to do well at school, all common concerns for pupils starting Year 8.<\/p>\n

Gary McMichael, <\/span><\/b>Chief Executive of<\/span><\/b> ASCERT<\/span><\/b> said:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cThe move to secondary school is a hu<\/span><\/p>\n

Young people on their way to school.ge step for young people. While some adjust quickly, others struggle emotionally, particularly in the first few weeks. That\u2019s why the HOPE Counselling Service is so important. Our trained counsellors are available directly in schools, offering a safe space for pupils to talk through their worries and get support early.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commissioned by the <\/span>Education Authority<\/span><\/b>, the <\/span>HOPE Counselling Service<\/span><\/b> is available across post-primary schools in Northern Ireland and is <\/span>free and confidential<\/span><\/b>. Pupils can access the service via the school\u2019s pastoral care team, or referrals can be made by parents or carers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ASCERT also encourages parents to be proactive in helping their children navigate the transition to secondary school.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for parents include<\/span><\/b>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n