ANALYSIS: Social Exclusion - Is it the season to be jolly?

Christmas is, in theory, a time for celebration, togetherness and mutual support. Given that young people take their winter holidays from school at the same time, it's a key season regardless of religious background. For the socially excluded or disadvantaged, however, the next few weeks can be an altogether different experience to the biscuit-tin scene of cosy festivities.

And as much as anyone else, youth work professionals will be looking to put their feet up after a tough year of counselling, paperwork and generally doing their best for young people.

Seasonal pressure

Young people can run the gamut of emotions at this time of year. They can be exuberant - responsible-drinking organisation The Portman Group has launched a guide for safe drinking among young adults - or find themselves more susceptible to depression.