Demands on children and young adults are enormous - and unrealistic.

At school, teachers are pressured to squeeze the very best results out of our young people; at home, parents and carers wanting to do their best are also under immense pressure to do the same. Without realising it, adults often transfer their stress and anxiety to the children and young people, who have nowhere to take it, and many are desperate not to let us down. The difficult feelings experienced need an outlet, and may express themselves in "problem behaviours", panic attacks, school refusal, poor sleep, or simply ill-health.

Beyond academic matters, children and young people are in a stranglehold to conform to social expectations: to have the best and most expensive brands and technology, or risk being a social outcast; to be popular with everyone, and score high numbers of 'likes' or followers on social media; to look perfect and have a great body, free of disability or fat ... to mention just a few.

It's tough, and for many it's too tough.

If your child would benefit from support in a confidential group, a range of courses will be available for children and young adults for the 2018/19 season, covering common themes.

Courses include:

• Managing anxiety
  • De-stress for Learning
  • The trouble with other people