STAFF at the Redbridge branch of a mental health charity say they are bracing themselves for an influx of worried students when the borough's A-Level results are released later this week.

Schools across the area are currently preparing for the release of pupils' AS and A2 grades on Thursday, amid warnings that many universities will have to turn away thousands of prospective students because of a shortage of places.

Workers at the Redbridge branch of Samaritans are predicting a big increase in calls from teenagers in the area, as under-pressure students face the heavy expectations of the borough's successes in previous years.

Andrew Ratajczak, of the branch in Mildmay Road, Ilford, said: “We need to move away from this fixation with exam results being the single most important factor in determining a young person’s future success.

"Everyone has different skills and gifts and young people need to be reassured that there are a variety of different options available to them in life.

“It is also important that young people have the knowledge to identify potential signs of stress in themselves, so that they can take steps to improve their emotional health and seek support or help others to access it if they need it."

Fears have also been raised that the tendency for more exam boards to release results online means many students will learn of their grades on their own, and not among the support network of other pupils and school staff.

Many universities too will reveal to prospective students decisions about places on the internet this year as early as Wednesday via the UCAS website.

UCAS has said it will treble the usual number of its helpline staff on Thursday, amid a predicted sharp fall in the number of courses available for students who fail to get their expected grades.

Students wanting help and support can visit website samaritans.org/emotionalhealth or call Redbridge-based volunteers at Samaritans on 8553 9900 or 08457 909090.

Meanwhile a face-to-face Samaritans surgery at the Redbridge branch has just been launched, which will be held on the second Saturday of every month.

They run from 11am till 2pm, and there is no need to book in advance.

The next session is on Saturday September 13 at the centre, which is located just behind Ilford Central Library.

For more news on the borough's A-Level results this week and GCSE results next week, stay tuned to guardian-series.co.uk