THOUSANDS of Somerset pupils who received their GCSE results on Tuesday have been told: “If you need advice we can help you.”

Consultants from Connect South West, the impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance service for 13 to 19-year-olds, will be available at centres in Bridgwater, Frome, Wells, Taunton and Yeovil, to help students plan their next move.

And information advice and guidance is now easier than ever for students receiving their results to access, via ‘Moving On Moving Up’, Somerset’s Area Prospectus – an on-line guide to courses available in schools and colleges across the county.

Mark Morris, Area Prospectus project manager, said: “The 14-19 Area Prospectus gives comprehensive information on all education and learning opportunities in Somerset and much more.

“Young people receiving their GCSE results – and their parents - can access information on courses in sixth forms, colleges, and apprenticeships 24 hours a day.”

The website can be accessed by clicking on www.movingon|movingup.co.uk.

People can also speak to one of Connect South West’s advisers – no matter where they are in the world - via Adviser Online, Connect South West’s on-line careers education, information, advice and guidance service, at www.connexions-somerset.org.|uk/adviseronline.

Centres in Bridgwater, Yeovil, Taunton and Wells will also be open every Tuesday evening.

And for those unable to get into one of the centres, there is an out-of-hours telephone helpline 08080-013219, or they can text 07766-413219, or visit www.connexions-direct.com.

Connect South West chief executive, Rachel Bendall, said: “Our message is a simple one: ‘Don’t panic – there are options, whatever the scenario may be’.

“We have access to up-to-date information about all the possible options open to young people.”