Alex is an A&E doctor, influential voice for millions of online followers and will be taking part in live sessions including Q&As throughout March and April for students starting to research options for life after school. The interactive events will showcase all the options available, replicating the experience of attending a face-to-face UCAS exhibitions while students, their families and teachers are at home or in class.
Dr Alex George said: ‘Mental health matters so much to everyone right now, especially students who are making massive choices in such different and difficult circumstances. We need to look out for each other, ask how each other how we’re doing and importantly listen to one another. Sharing feelings with friends, family and teachers should be normal – we’re all in the same situation at the moment, and together we can get through and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
‘There’s no going back to old ways of researching next steps, the context is so different. Going on visits to campuses and doing work experience may be on hold at the moment, so students are looking for support in finding other ways to make an informed decision about what’s next for them. Teachers across the country are doing an amazing job at the moment and the UCAS/Discovery events will help lighten the load for them as a great alternative, plus they should be a lot of fun.’
Clare Marchant, UCAS Chief Executive, said: 'Alex is a beacon of light for so many of us and his messages about looking after yourself and mental health are incredibly important – not just while we’re all at home, but for the weeks, months and years ahead. We’re absolutely delighted he’ll be sharing his insights with students as they begin their exciting journeys into higher education and future careers.
'Lost learning in lockdown doesn’t have to mean being left behind. The UCAS/Discovery events can help fast-track research for those young people beginning to think about their futures. We’re aiming to support teachers who would usually dedicate several weeks of preparation into a day that’s all about getting stuck in, asking questions and discovering the world of possibilities that exists on the other side of the pandemic.
'Making life changing decisions during now is tough. We want to give students the best possible opportunities to find out about their options and make those decisions with confidence. Hundreds of universities and employers will be taking part in the events, plus current students and apprentices will be on hand to answer questions. We’ll also have experts giving advice on practical topics such as student finance and crafting personal statements and CVs.'
The UCAS/Discovery events are aimed at those exploring their options after school or college and are running online on selected dates between March and May 2021.
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UCAS Press Office
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Notes for editors
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is an independent charity, and the UK's shared admissions service for higher education. We manage almost three million applications, from around 700,000 people each year, for full-time undergraduate courses at over 380 universities and colleges across the UK.