NHS England in the North West is encouraging young people, alongside their families, schools and colleges to take simple actions to support mental health during exam season this Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026).

With GCSEs, A levels and other assessments getting underway, there are practical steps that can help reduce stress, build resilience and support wellbeing at what can be a challenging time.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “Exams can be an intense and pressured period for many young people, and it’s vital they feel supported, confident and able to look after their mental health. We all have a role to play in helping them through this important stage of their academic journey.

“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone across the North West to think about one simple action they can take to support mental health.

“For young people sitting exams, that action might be something small but meaningful. Taking regular breaks, speaking to someone they trust, or using the support and resources available to them. These small steps can make a real difference in helping young people feel calmer and more in control during a stressful time.”

Parents, carers and teachers can also play an active role by checking in with young people, recognising signs of stress and anxiety, and helping them access support where needed. The NHS also offers advice to help parents support their child through exam stress.

Dr Michael Gregory said: “Action doesn’t just sit with young people alone. Everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s offering reassurance, supporting a friend, creating a healthier school and work environment, or helping someone feel safe to ask for help, we can all contribute to building mentally healthy communities.”

To support young people during the exam period, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has developed a free and interactive digital booklet, “Exam Success”, which is designed to help young people manage the pressures of revision and assessments.

The resource includes revision planning tips and practical techniques to help young people feel calmer and more in control. It is available to students, parents and teachers and provides practical advice on managing stress, improving focus, maintaining wellbeing and building confidence during exams.

Many schools across the North West are supported by Mental Health Support Teams, which help children and young people, their families and education staff. The teams are being rolled out to support 5- to 18-year-olds in primary, secondary and post-16 education settings, with the aim of reaching 100 percent coverage by the end of 2029.

Dr Sharon Twigg, consultant clinical psychologist at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many young people struggle with exam pressure, and their mental health can get worse during this time. Recently, we supported a 15-year-old whose anxiety and OCD became much more intense because of exams. With support from the mental health team and her school, she received cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and help with planning her revision.

“Now, she is studying in a healthier way, getting enough sleep, eating well, and using strategies to stay calm. She has re-engaged with school and feels more confident about taking her exams. This shows how early support and strong teamwork around a young person can help them move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling hopeful. If you want to know more visit Cheshire and Wirral Partnership’s www.mymind.org.uk.”

Mental health trusts also work with parents to help children. The Tameside Mental Health Support Team, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust recently supported a parent, Louise, who attended an understanding anxiety in children workshop to help her support her daughter Georgia.

Speaking about Georgia who is about to finish Year 1 at school, Louise said: “Georgia is very, very shy. She doesn’t talk or communicate with people she doesn’t know. She doesn’t cope very well in new environments, with new people. She just completely shuts down. She gets very anxious.

“From the workshop, I’ve learned so much on how to understand Georgia and her anxiety. The main thing is giving me the tools to help and understand her, how to help her move forward… The transition from reception to year one has been fantastic. Since coming back to school, she’s putting a hand up and answering questions in class. Her teachers said she’s talking in class now and talking to the teachers, which she never did before.”

She added: “She’s definitely getting more independent at home, helping out more, going to the toilet on her own. She’s like a different child. And you can see the confidence in her as well. I’m really, really happy.”