The Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors wants to reach out to students to let them know "you may feel isolated but you are not alone."

They urge all students, particularly those facing examinations to "dig deep and to draw on your inner strength and resilience to stay focused and well during this trying time."

The Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors emphasized the importance to stay connected with others while maintaining a social distance.

Here are some guidelines provided by the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors that may help in the coming weeks.

Tips for all student and adult learners at home:

• Keep a school-like structure to your day. Check online for daily/weekly assignments and set yourself a deadline to have them done.
• Get exercise and fresh air.
• Stay connected with friends and family by phone or social media but filter the amount of negative news you read and maintain a healthy balance with screen time.
• Read a book, keep a journal, listing 3 things you are grateful for at the end of each day.
• Use meditations, breathing or mindfulness exercises to relax.
• Listen to music that you enjoy and engage with hobbies that adhere to social distancing.
• For those in need of professional support contact local counselling service or helplines such as The Samaritans or Childline where you will find a listening ear and some guidance on where to access appropriate support.

Exam Students:

• Use this time of uncertainty as critical revision time - each evening plan what you want to revise the following day – the subjects and topics
• Email school & adult education staff on work emails with any questions.
• Use websites that are useful for exam students such as examinations.ie and www.studyclix.ie to look at past papers, marking schemes and sample answers.

They want students in the country to "remember that the current crisis will pass in time and the future is bright for all of you."