As we gear up for the holidays, Josh wanted to say something for those who find this time of the year difficult.

For many young people this can be a particularly challenging time of year to navigate- for many reasons. Financial worries, loneliness, isolation or loss can leave people dreading this time of year. With Christmas fast approaching, students can feel academic pressures ramping up, and many people can begin to struggle both in school and at home.

At home, Christmas for many is a joyful time of year. However, I’d like to spare a thought for those who may be in a situation where their parents have split. It can be a challenge to satisfy both ‘sides’ in terms of who’s house you’re at and when, and can very much feel like you are the one in the middle of a competition of who can out do the other. This obviously has a huge impact on young people- but often occurs when there is also a significant jump in academic pressures. Whether that’s mock exams in school or handing in assignments on time at college or university, this often goes unnoticed and unattended.

One of the best things that parents, careers or trusted adults can do, is to be aware of what is going on for young people at any given time and perhaps explore what they can do to support young people in  a way that best suits them.

Josh