Phoenix Rise: help and advice for some difficult situations

Alex Hi, I'm Alex and I play Billy in Phoenix Rise. Billy acts tough and he has a hard exterior, but he's been through a lot. His mum died two years ago in his dad's gone away and doesn't know where he is, so he's dealing with a lot and it just doesn't know how to cope with that so he lashes out from time to time and he's just struggling, trying to juggle looking after his little sister and dealing with everyday school life and normal issues. Whilst dealing with all that stress that on head.

Rihanna Don't worry, dad's at the weekend.

Billy Not anymore

Rihanna Why? Has his lorry broken down?

Billy He's got another job. Big money, apparently. But he won't get paid until he's done.

Dr Radha School life can be tricky and things that happen outside of school can make things even trickier. You might need to ask for help in lots of different situations, maybe there's been a big change at home, maybe you're feeling stressed or anxious or overwhelmed, or maybe you're not sleeping or seeing your friends as much as you usually do. If you are struggling, then speak to a trusted adult. That might be your parents, a teacher, a school counsellor or a relative. That's the first step to you getting help and support to find solutions for the problems you're facing. We can sometimes find it difficult to ask for help, but the best way to do that is to sit down and just say how you feel and ask that person for the help and support that you need. If you find it difficult to say it out loud then write it down, send a text. However you do it, make sure you do.

Jayden Hi, I'm Jayden and I play Darcy in Phoenix Rise. Darcy is an adrenaline junkie who often gets in trouble, but doesn't seem to really care. He quickly becomes rivals with Billy because they both fancy Summer. But you'll have to keep watching to see how that plays out.

Darcy What do you think about that Summer?

Billy Seems alright.

Darcy Think you'll make a move?

Billy I just want to keep my head down. No drama.

Darcy Mates before dates, yeah?

Radha As we go through school life, it's not unusual for our friendship groups to change, but that doesn't mean we have to fall out. Talk it through, understand where they're coming from, and if that friendship groups not for you, then move on, new friendships will form. At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is surround yourself with people who reflect who you are. Remember friendships are two-way, it's really important you nurture your friendships, so spend time with people and ask them how they are, do things together and make sure you have a laugh along way. If you've got a friend who's going through a bit of a tricky friendship situation then the best thing to do is be a good friend yourself. Give them time, give them space, talk to them, ask them how they are feeling and try to come up with solutions to the problems they're facing. Make sure you're giving your friendship's the time and space that they need and if friendships become tricky, then talk to a trusted adult about them, get their advice and support.

Tara Hi, I'm Tara and I play Rani in Phoenix Rise. Rani was born in the UK, but her family are political refugees and she's really shy because of past experiences and she has told it's best to just fit in and fly under the radar. But over time she starts to find an inner confidence and courage which helps her find her voice and who she is.

Rani's mum Do not to be different. Don't be too loud or too quiet, Don't be the worst or the best or at least show them you are the best. Just try to fit in.

Rani Fit in, okay.

Radha Confidence is the feeling or belief that you can do something, that you believe in yourself and you trust yourself. Remember confidence can vary from day to day, but also from moment to moment. It's a dynamic thing. Our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves can affect our confidence. Also, past experiences, fear of judgement for other people and embarrassment can also make us feel like we're less confident. We all have to keep an eye on confidence levels and do things to help boost our confidence and that's OK, that's totally normal. We can increase our confidence by looking at our thoughts and feelings and ask ourselves are they even true? We can stretch ourselves, challenge ourselves and set ourselves targets and goals to make sure that we increase our confidence in terms of what we're able to do. Make sure you surround yourself with loads of people and friends who encouraged you and who believe in you.Oh.

Krish Hi, my name is Krish and I played Khaled in Phoenix Rise. Khaled is super talented and loves anything to do with technology, however, he is struggling mentally from being bullied at his last school. He moves to Phoenix Rise as a fresh start away from all that until he realises he's old bully, Nathan, has come back to haunt him and it makes him even more marginalised and alienated than before.

Dr Radha It's important to recognise that bullying isn't just physical, it can be mental and emotional as well. And it can happen in lots of different places, so it may happen at school, it might happen online or even in a group chat. If you feel like you are being bullied, then it's really important to get help. Tell a trusted adult and make sure you're explaining what has been happening and how you're feeling. Also, surround yourself with friends and people who encourage you and support you alongside that journey too. If you think someone you know is being bullied, then be an ally, be there for them. But most importantly, encourage them to get the support they need from a trusted adult.