Relate sees a 116% increase in calls
January has seen Relate, experience a 116% increase* in calls to its helpline from people needing relationship support, compared to calls in December. The massive increase in calls, up 20% from the same days last year, shows families and couples are feeling under more pressure.
A survey of callers** revealed that the biggest issues causing relationship breakdown were:
| 1) Arguments |
36% |
||
| 2) Affairs |
20% |
||
| 3) Sex |
9% |
||
| 4) Stress |
9% |
||
| 5) Money |
7% |
||
** Survey undertaken by Relate Response operators. 135 callers surveyed Jan 3rd – Jan 9th 2012.
* Statistics from calls to the Relate Response line comparing working days Jan 3 – 5 2012 compared to Dec 1, 2, 5 2011.
Relate has also seen a 60% increase in visitors to the national website and an 80% rise in the number of visitors to the local web site (www.relatelondonnw.org.uk) during the first week of January 2012.
A survey of callers to the national helpline revealed:
- One in three callers said they had an awful or really awful Christmas this year
- Two in five callers said they had waited until after Christmas to tackle their relationship problems
- One in three callers said their relationship breakdown was down to arguments
Christine Northam , Relate counsellor, said: “We know that during these tough economic times families are under more pressure and this often leads to more arguments and break-ups. Our callers tell us that arguments, affairs and problems with their sex life are the major issues leading to difficulties. We’d urge couples to talk to each other as soon as they notice a problem and seek help.
“While we don’t like to think of people in distress in some ways it is encouraging that so many people are contacting Relate because we really can make a difference, especially if people contact us sooner rather than later.”
Locally demand is also rising. At RelateLondonNorth West. Chief ExcecutiveHazel Hewettsaid “ We often see a rise in calls after the Christmas break and this year we have seen a significant increase in those making appointments for both our Counselling and Family Mediation services”. She continued “The feedback from new clients suggests that economic pressures are making family life even more challenging.”
Relate conducted a survey before Christmas and found the most common problems for fireworks over the Christmas period were identified as personality clashes (14%) and not agreeing on what to do over the break (10%). And it seems we are most likely to argue with our partner (29%) or our children (13%).