An independent new evaluation of relationship support services has demonstrated clear financial and emotional benefits to individuals and society as a whole, according to a Department for Education-commissioned report.
The report was commissioned as part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to relationship support. Relationship breakdown is estimated to cost the UK economy £46 billion each year, with often devastating and long-lasting emotional effects for individuals and families.
The report looked at services offered at different stages of a couple’s relationship: marriage preparation, short relationship education classes and couple counselling. All services were found to be associated with positive impacts, with marriage preparation and couple counselling in particular leading to positive changes in wellbeing and relationship quality.
The Relationships Alliance, a group of leading charities which aims to put strong and stable relationships at the heart of a thriving society, welcomes the report. Ruth Sutherland, Chief Executive of Relate (which is part of the Alliance), said:
"We are delighted that this report demonstrates the financial and social benefits of services provided by Alliance members, providing further evidence of the case for investment in this area. Every day, we see first-hand the devastating impact that relationship breakdown can have – so we know that our work to help couples understand each other and have the tools to improve their relationships if they want to is absolutely crucial.”
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