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As many young people across West Yorkshire prepare for and sit their exams, Northorpe Hall Child + Family Trust is offering practical guidance for parents and carers, alongside real-life examples of how one-to-one mentoring support is helping young people’s wellbeing and confidence.
Recent research from the Mental Health Foundation found that six in ten young people aged 18–24 have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope due to pressure to succeed.
The report also highlights that neurodivergent young people may experience additional pressures, particularly where learning environments, expectations, and routines can be more challenging to navigate.
Northorpe staff say this reflects what they are seeing in their work with families, with many young people struggling with confidence, routine, and exam-related pressure.
When *Grace began working with her a one-to-one, volunteer, she had been out of school for several months and had not been able to sit exams since primary school. As a neurodivergent young person, she had found aspects of mainstream education challenging, which contributed to her time away from the classroom. But, with consistent one-to-one support, she has made significant progress. At the end of last year, she attended all of her mock exams over the winter period, a milestone that reflects a gradual rebuilding of confidence and engagement with education.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Mary had been unable to leave her house before she began working with her mentor, Lydia. But their sessions together helped her build her confidence and re-engage with everyday life. She’s now enjoying visiting cafes, travelling independently, living life at her own pace and preparing for her next steps in education after completing her GCSE’s this summer.
A small change in support can make a huge difference for each young person, that’s why the charity is encouraging parents and carers to focus on small, consistent forms of support rather than high expectations during exam season.
Mentor Lydia Fell says: “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.”
The mentor added that exam season often brings additional pressure for young people, and that emotional reassurance can be just as important as academic support. “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.”
If your young person is struggling with school, exams, or other challenges, you can contact the Northorpe team using the details below.
From counselling and mentoring to a variety of other supportive services, they offer a number of ways to help you and your young person.
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.
Header Image: Shutterstock
