Mentor’s Partnership with Madlug
27.05.2026
Summer offers young people opportunities to spend more time outdoors, try new activities and build confidence through new experiences. But periods of hot weather can also present additional challenges, particularly for young people with ADHD.
Every young person experiences ADHD differently. Some may find changes to routine, disrupted sleep, increased sensory stimulation or staying hydrated more difficult during warmer weather, while others may notice little or no impact at all. The key is recognising individual needs and providing consistent, person-centred support.
For Responsible Individuals, Registered Managers and frontline teams, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to how young people experience the summer months.
Why hot weather can feel more challenging
Summer often brings significant changes to a young person’s normal routine. School holidays, warmer temperatures, later evenings and increased time outdoors can all affect daily structure.
For some young people with ADHD, these changes may make it harder to maintain focus, regulate emotions or follow established routines. Emerging research also suggests that exposure to high temperatures may affect cognitive performance, attention and sleep quality – functions already commonly associated with ADHD. Researchers believe this may be linked to the way heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, alongside factors such as disrupted sleep, dehydration and changes to daily routines.
While these experiences won’t affect everyone in the same way, they reinforce the importance of taking an individual approach and regularly checking in with each young person.
Six practical ways to support young people during hot weather
1. Keep routines as consistent as possible
Structure provides reassurance, particularly during school holidays when normal routines change.
Simple things like maintaining regular meal times, bedtimes and planned activities can help create a sense of stability, even when the days look different.
Where possible, involve young people in planning their week so they understand what to expect and can help shape activities around their interests.
2. Plan activities around the weather
The UK Health Security Agency recommends planning activities for cooler parts of the day, avoiding the hottest temperatures where possible.
Morning walks, evening sports sessions or indoor activities during the afternoon can help young people stay comfortable while still enjoying the summer.
If outdoor activities are planned, remember to encourage regular breaks in the shade, sunscreen, appropriate clothing and plenty of fluids.
3. Encourage hydration in ways that work for young people
Staying hydrated is important for everyone during hot weather, but young people may not always recognise when they’re becoming dehydrated.
Think of creative ways to make hydration part of everyday routines by:
- Providing refillable water bottles.
- Offering water with every meal or activity.
- Including hydrating snacks such as fruit.
- Building short hydration breaks into the day.
Small and fun habits are often easier to maintain than one-off reminders.
4. Create cool, calm spaces
Hot weather can increase physical discomfort and, for some young people, contribute to sensory overload.
Think about how your environment can support wellbeing by:
- Keeping rooms cool with fans or ventilation.
- Closing curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
- Providing quiet areas where young people can take time out.
- Encouraging loose, comfortable clothing where appropriate.
The UKHSA also advises avoiding enclosed spaces, such as stationary vehicles, and using cool water to help lower body temperature if needed.
5. Notice small changes
One of the most valuable things care teams can do is simply pay attention.
If a young person seems more tired, frustrated, distracted or withdrawn than usual, consider whether the weather or changes in routine could be contributing.
A quick conversation can often provide valuable insight. Asking questions can also help young people feel listened to while encouraging them to recognise what works best for them.
- “How are you finding the heat today?”
- “Is there anything we could do differently to help?”
- “Would you prefer to do something indoors this afternoon?”
6. Prioritise good sleep
Warm nights can make it more difficult for young people to fall asleep and stay asleep.
For young people with ADHD, disrupted sleep may affect concentration, mood and emotional regulation the following day.
Simple measures such as keeping bedrooms cool, maintaining consistent bedtime routines and limiting stimulating activities before bed can help support better rest during warmer weather.
Supporting young people taking ADHD medication
Some young people may take medication as part of their ADHD support plan.
During hot weather, it’s particularly important to encourage good hydration and continue following the young person’s agreed care plan.
If staff have concerns about medication, side effects or how a young person is responding during periods of extreme heat, advice should always be sought from the appropriate healthcare professional. Medication should never be adjusted without clinical guidance.
Positive summer experiences
Supporting young people through the summer is a great opportunity to build confidence, encourage independence and create positive memories.
Planning a picnic in the shade, cooking healthy meals together, visiting local parks early in the morning or learning how to prepare for a day outdoors all provide opportunities to develop life skills while keeping wellbeing at the centre of care.
These everyday experiences often become the moments young people remember most.
A simple summer wellbeing checklist
As temperatures rise, consider asking your team:
- Have we planned activities around the weather forecast?
- Are young people drinking enough throughout the day?
- Do they have access to cool, comfortable spaces?
- Are we checking in regularly about how they’re feeling?
- Have we discussed staying safe around open water and other summer activities?
Supporting better outcomes every season
Every young person responds differently to summer, and every young person deserves support that reflects their individual needs.
By planning ahead, maintaining routines and encouraging open conversations, children’s homes and Supported Accommodation providers can help young people stay safe, comfortable and able to enjoy everything summer has to offer.
At Mentor, we believe great care is built through the small, everyday decisions that help young people feel heard, supported and prepared for life. Whether it’s recording wellbeing, planning activities or keeping teams connected, every interaction contributes to better outcomes.
Further guidance
The UK Health Security Agency’s Beat the Heat campaign offers practical advice on staying safe during hot weather, including hydration, recognising signs of heat-related illness, planning activities and water safety.
Download the PDF resource here.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39740574/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/23/how-to-keep-cool-and-stay-well-during-hot-weather/
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/heatwaves-uk/advice-and-tips
