Mike Miles from Connexions advice service Picture Ref: 77557-07AS the exam season begins, a listening ear is available to help with worries and give advice about the future.

Connexions, a youth advice, information and support service, has a drop-in centre in Temple Street.

The service has launched a website advice service which can provide professional help and advice for young people seven days a week.

This can be a difficult time of year for young people, with GCSEs and A-levels starting schools.

But personal advisers at Connexions are available to help with exam worries and give advice on choosing the best options for the future.

The Connexions website advisers are available between 8am and 2am on a daily basis. Mike Miles, a personal adviser at Temple Street, said: "It's normal to be frightened of exams, to be fed up with revising or worried about the future.

"But for some young people these feelings can be overwhelming.

"In extreme cases exam stress can lead to depression, mood changes, poor appetite, lack of sleep, low self esteem and lack of motivation.

"For anyone worried about exams, it's best not to bottle up these feelings.

"Talking to a friend, a parent, a teacher of a Connexions personal adviser can help."

Mr Miles said that the whole issue of revision is coming to a head in Swindon schools.

He said: "Students in Swindon go on block release for study leave and they suddenly realise they actually have to do the studying.

"Something like 75 per cent of young people in Swindon will stay in education after GCSEs.

"The results are really quite important and will affect the courses they can get on to.

"A lot of students are holding conditional offers which means they have to achieve certain grades. That's why there's a lot of worry."

He believes that revision tips can help students feel in control and positive thinking can increase confidence.

He said: "It's also important to look after yourself by getting lots of sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax."

The Connexions Swindon and Wiltshire website at www.cx4u.org.uk has a range of useful tips for coping with revision.

For more information telephone the free helpline 080 800 13219 or visit www.connexions-direct.com

Alternatively text messages can be sent to Connexions Direct at 07766 413219.

Mike's top tips

Plan your revision in advance and work out a revision timetable don't leave it all to the last minute.

Find a quiet place to work, away from distractions. Revise the way that suits you best with a friend or alone, in the morning or afternoon, in short bursts or longer sessions.

Write revision notes, reminders and fact cards. Put them in places where you will see them, such as on the fridge or bedroom door.

The more you look at them, the more it will help you remember.

Take regular breaks and relaxation.

Don't go mad and stay up all night studying.

Practice past exam papers and use some of the great revision websites, such as BBC Bitesize at www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/ or BBC Learning Zone at www.bbc.co.uk

Eat healthily.

Pamper yourself build up your ego with positive thoughts and give yourself treats.

Dave Andrew