Latest News

New patron joins Relate - Welcome Tanya

We are excited to announce that Professor Tanya Byron has accepted an invitation to become a Patron of Relate. The news was announced at the Relate Institute Lecture.

Tanya is a well respected academic and practitioner, working extensively in the NHS around issues of drug Dependency, HIV/AIDS and sexual health, adult mental health and eating disorders services.

Tanya has also undertaken high profile TV work for the BBC on child behaviour, science and current affairs (Little Angels; Teen Angels; House of Tiny Tearaways; Panorama; How to Improve Your Memory & Child of Our Time – with Professor Robert Winston). Last year Tanya’s documentary series ‘Am I Normal?’ on BBC2 explored Sex; Death; Vanity and Spirituality.
 

Sun Agony Aunt launches 'Tough Times Guide'

‘The Tough Times Guide' produced by the Sun agony aunt Deidre Sanders, aims to help families cope in the recession.

The guide is packed with useful tips for your family, including how to deal with conflict, what to do if one of you faces unemployment and what to tell the children.

You can download a copy here.
 

Relate’s Children and young people service enters the online realm

Relate will soon be extending its children and young people service into the online world. A new website called iRelate will be launching soon to offer support including Live Chat and Ask Alex, where young people can get help quickly with any problems they may be facing.

It will also promote the work the federation does in children and young people counselling. This launch will be supported by a new video aimed at young people.

For more information, please contact Relate’s Jamie Murdoch at jamie.murdoch@relate.org.uk.
 

How happy are young people and why does it matter?

Relate have produced ‘The Class of 2011 Yearbook’, a report looking into the issues affecting a typical class of young people. The report calls for compulsory counselling support in primary and secondary schools.

View the Yearbook here.

Relationship support for parents with a disabled child

29 March 2011

Subsidised relationship support for parents with a disabled child is now available from local charity Relate Wolverhampton & Dudley.

Relate Wolverhampton & Dudley understands that, whilst rewarding and enjoyable, having a disabled child can for some be an overwhelming experience and put pressure on the whole family. Relate can now offer counselling for families or couples to help them understand and strengthen their relationships.

Jane James, Couple and Family Counsellor at Relate Wolverhampton & Dudley said: “We understand that having a disabled child can put family relationships under extra strain. Couples caring for a disabled child are at greater risk of problems in their relationship and relationship breakdown, which is why we are so pleased to be able to offer a tailored support package to help people enjoy family life.

“When parents are stressed and under pressure, this can have a big impact on children, which is why it’s so important that parents are able to access this bit of extra support.”

Parents interested in the scheme will be able to access four sessions of relationship counselling either as a family or a couple across the country. More information can be found on the Relate website or by calling Relate Wolverhampton and Dudley on 01902-428447.
 

Celebrating mums on Mother’s Day - 76% of us have a good or very good relationship with our mums

29 March 2011

Research from Relate reveals that 76 per cent of us have a good or very good relationship with our mums and they come third in the list of our most important relationships1 after partners and children. But, Relate is all too aware that in today’s fast paced society, parenting can feel like a juggling act. This mother’s day the charity is offering advice to mums on how to create a balance that leaves mums, dads and children feeling a lot happier.

Mothers across the country are busy balancing bringing up their children whilst developing successful careers and nurturing relationships with partners and friends and it can all leave mums feeling exhausted and wiped out.

Jane James, counsellor at Relate Wolverhampton & Dudley, comments: “If you ask a mum what ‘me time’ means you might be met with a very loud laugh – it can be somewhat of a mystery, especially for new mums or mums with very young children. However it’s so important to strike that balance to keep yourself sane.”

Dealing with the guilt

The guilt complex is nothing new. Mothers are pulled in every direction and often that takes them away from their children and can bring on the pangs of guilt. Work can be a big culprit – mums want to continue to develop their career but juggling the two can be difficult but not impossible as Jane comments:

“Guilt is a very familiar feeling amongst mums; however it’s important to understand these feelings. The automatic reaction I often see is for mums to then try and spend every waking second with their children to make up for the time that they’re not there. But it’s important to remember that might not be the healthiest thing to do – if you are stressed and uptight, the chances are you’re not going to be much fun to be around.”

Making time for yourself

In the whirlwind that is motherhood, it can be difficult to find time for yourself. This can sometimes leave mums feeling like machines on automatic pilot. However, taking regular breaks can make a huge difference. Jane comments:

“Make sure you include a break for yourself. This doesn’t necessarily mean a whole day out with friends or a weekend alone, just block out five minutes for you. Forget the chores and enjoy a cup of tea and relax. Moments like this are really important and will keep you going. And don’t forget that children don’t need you all the time, it’s easy to smother them, but they need space to grow.”

Time for relationships

Relate is also encouraging parents to make some time for their own relationships as Jane comments: “Parents can be so busy that their own relationships are often the first to be put on the back burner. It’s an easy mistake to make, but children need strong, happy parents, not ones that are stressed and spend too much time arguing.

“If you can afford to get a babysitter – fantastic, or perhaps grandparents can help out. But if not, don’t worry. Try to put aside some time for you and your partner, perhaps a romantic meal at home. Turn your phones off, turn off the TV and spend some intimate time together. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but it will make such a difference and will benefit the whole family.”
 

Health and wellbeing

25 February 2011

For the first time, Relate Business Solutions will be exhibiting at the Health and Wellbeing @ Work Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 8th-9th March. Relate will be presenting in partnership with BT and showcasing their range of training courses and CPDs for professionals, in addition to their innovative online solutions. Relate will demonstrate a live ‘hands on’ interactive version of the Family Mapping tool, giving delegates the opportunity to experience a flavour of their services.

The exhibition is open to everyone, and conference programmes to be run throughout the two days will focus on topics including: mental health, stress management and emotional wellbeing.

For more information, please visit www.healthatwork2011.co.uk or contact kathryn.anthony@relate.org.uk.

Date for National Family Week announced

4 February 2011

National Family Week 2011 will take place from Monday 30th May - Sunday 5th June and will be bigger and better than ever!

The campaign aims to celebrate family life in the UK and connect millions of families with the organisations, good causes and services that support them. National Family Week can provide the perfect opportunity for anyone working for families to showcase the fantastic and wide ranging work they do to support families, a lot of which can sometimes go unnoticed.

You can get involved by promoting The Week as well as organising events or activities for families in your local community.

For more information, visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk.

Lloyds TSB funds new Adult Survivor counselling programme

21 January 2011

Relate Wolverhampton and Dudley have launched a new adult survivors programme, thanks to funding and support from the Lloyds TSB foundation.

Find out more about our Adult Survivors counselling.

 

New divorce and separation financial calculator launched.

14 January 2011

The Moneymadeclear divorce and separation website has now launched its new online calculator - the first of its kind.

Relate has helped the Consumer Financial Education Body CFEB) CFEB to develop the new calculator, alongside the Family and Parenting Institute, Families Need Fathers and Resolution.

The calulator it helps users to draw up a budget so they can stay on top of their finances, work out what they have and what they owe, and looks at how they might split what they have. It’s simple and easy to use but provides a useful set of information that can be shared with a mediator or solicitor.

The website is also designed to signpost to organisations which can offer specialist support in other areas such as
children, relationship support and single parenting.

Visit the Moneymadeclear divorce and separation calculator.

'Families and the future of child maintenance' Green Paper published.

11 January 2011

Today the Government published its Green paper on families and the future of child maintenance. The consultation seeks views on the Government’s strategy for reforming the child maintenance system.

In response, Claire Tyler, Relate’s Chief Executive, said “We know that family breakdown, when handled badly, can have long term negative effects for children and adults. This is why we are so encouraged to see the Green Paper emphasizing early intervention, and joined up support services which are often best provided by the voluntary sector. This support can give parents the help they need to make the right arrangements for their children – practically, financially and emotionally and ensure that both parents are actively involved in their children’s lives after separation. Every parent wants to do the best for their child, but this can be easier said than done when under the pressure and stress of separation."

Read Relate's full response to the Green Paper.
 

Thinking of divorce? Read one couples counselling diary

4 January 2011

The Sun today published a great article on how for one couple, Mike and Lisa, attending weekly counselling sessions with Relate saved their marriage. Fans also include Davina McCall and her second husband Matthew Robertson.

Read the article on The Sun website.