A UNIQUE life-skills programme tackling mental health and wellbeing aired on the BBC today featuring Birkenhead Sixth Form College.

The BBC’s ‘Health: Truth or Scare’ programme hosted by Angela Rippon and Kevin Duala investigated the growing concerns over teenage stress and some of the devastating impacts that affect young people facing exam pressure.

Each new student at Birkenhead Sixth Form College goes through a six-week 'BePART' programme as part of their pastoral support this includes sessions on the importance of sleep, diet and relaxation techniques.

The College’s scheme is at the forefront of addressing stress-related problems at source and equipping the A Level students with tools to cope with the demands of both academic and home life.

Reporting from the college after interviewing students Kevin Duala said: “It was so lovely to meet the students and so refreshing to see their approach to exam pressure and for them to be so determined for it not to get the better of them.

“The College’s programme is clearly working.”

Seventeen-year-old Ben Harding is among the A Level students reporting positive results from taking part in the programme and was interviewed by the BBC.

He said: “It actually changed a lot in my life.

"I know now that if I’m stressed that I can go and calm myself down and then get back into the swing of things.

"It works at home but it’s the same with revision and exams too.”

Liverpool John Moores University’s faculty of education has been helping the College analyse the results of 'BePART'.

Professor David Putwain said: “BePART is an effective inclusive programme for supporting the emotional and physical wellbeing of students.

"Following participation in the programme students reported themselves to be more ready for the rigours of their academic studies, to deal with setbacks in a positive and constructive fashion, and able to effectively cope with the demands placed on them.”

To watch the BBC’s ‘Health: Truth or Scare’ programme visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08p1nf0