A NEW support service to help adolescents cope with mental health problems is being offered in Milford in response to a record rise in demand.

For the first time ever school and education problems have emerged as a top concern among those contacting ChildLine, and the NSPCC recently reported a 200 per cent rise in requests for counselling about exam stress specifically.

Stresses about exams can affect young people’s ability to sleep, trigger anxiety attacks, depression and tearfulness, and eating disorders. In some cases it also leads to self-harm and suicidal feelings.

Last year, Luck’s Yard Clinic, in Milford, worked with up to 500 students to help them reduce stress and tension leading up to exam time.

Clinical director and chiropractor Tone Tellefsen-Hughes, has now appointed a qualified counsellor, Verity Vinen to join the support team offering personal, respectful and secure counselling within easy reach of Guildford, Godalming, Haslemere, Witley and Chiddingfold.

Verity was one of the founding members of the Teen Summit held last October offering 22 teenagers from the south an opportunity to learn about self-care, and how to experience inner calm, confidence and expression through music, art, yoga, mindfulness and positive thinking.

She is also an art teacher at St Ives School, in Haslemere, and has worked with students for more than 25 years in education.

“Anxiety is a condition that can affect anyone – it doesn’t distinguish between age, background or social group,” she said. “Even some of the most confident people you know may have suffered with anxiety.

“I work with each person in an individual way and sometimes use creative approaches to explore feelings.

“This can help clients unlock their distress, and find their own path towards a better understanding of themselves and their situation.

“I have worked with teenagers for over 25 years within education, so have a real understanding of the pressures adolescents and their families face.”

Verity also offers a confidential counselling service for adults from Luck’s Yard Clinic.

For details go to www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ counsellors/verity-vinen