By KLTV Newsdesk –

West Yorkshire families offered practical advice as new research highlights scale of stress among 18–24s

A youth wellbeing charity is calling on parents and carers to prioritise steady, low-pressure support as young people across West Yorkshire head into one of the most stressful points in the academic year.

Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust has shared practical guidance alongside real-life examples of how one-to-one mentoring is helping rebuild confidence and improve wellbeing during the exam period.

Rising pressure on young people

The charity’s advice comes as recent research from the Mental Health Foundation reveals that six in ten young people aged 18–24 have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope due to pressure to succeed.

The findings also show that neurodivergent young people can face additional challenges, particularly when navigating learning environments, expectations and routines.

Staff at Northorpe say the data reflects what they are seeing locally, with many young people struggling with confidence, maintaining routines and managing exam-related stress.

Rebuilding confidence through mentoring

For some, targeted support is making a tangible difference.

When Grace* began working with her one-to-one volunteer mentor, she had been out of school for several months and had not sat exams since primary school.

As a neurodivergent young person, aspects of mainstream education had proved difficult, contributing to her absence from the classroom.

With consistent support, however, she has made significant progress. At the end of last year, she attended all of her mock exams over the winter period, a key milestone in rebuilding her confidence and re-engaging with education.

Another young person, 15-year-old Mary, had previously been unable to leave her home before beginning sessions with her mentor, Lydia.

Through their work together, she has gradually regained confidence and independence.

She is now enjoying visiting cafés, travelling independently and preparing for her next steps after completing her GCSEs this summer.

“Small, consistent support” is key

The charity is encouraging families to focus on manageable, consistent forms of support rather than placing young people under additional pressure to achieve.

Mentor Lydia Fell said: “We know the next couple of months aren’t just a challenge for young people; they can be difficult for families in our community too.

“That’s why we’re encouraging parents and carers to focus on small, consistent forms of support rather than high expectations during exam season.

“This includes encouraging regular breaks, maintaining routines where possible, and recognising effort as well as outcomes.

“Just as important is emotional support, sometimes that simply means listening and creating space for young people to talk without judgement.”

She added that emotional reassurance plays a vital role during exam season:

“During exam season, young people don’t just need revision support; they need reassurance, understanding, and space to breathe.

“Sometimes, knowing someone is in their corner makes all the difference.”

Where to get support

Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust offers a range of services including counselling, mentoring and wider family support.

Families who feel their young person is struggling with school, exams or other challenges are encouraged to get in touch:

• Phone: 01924 492183
• Email: support@northorpe.com
• Website: www.northorpe.com

*Please note, this young person’s name has been changed to protect their identity.