Relationship support key to youth wellbeing and achievement

Three leading relationship organisations, Relate, One Plus One and the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships have published a relationship manifesto, which outlines that poor parental relationships are often at the root of problems with children's achievement at school or emotional wellbeing.

They also claim that relationship breakdown leads to many adults falling into poverty homelessness, depression or unemployment.

"Politicians should make firm commitments in their manifestos to provide more relationship support services to help couples stay together, or if separation is inevitable to do so amicably for the sake of the children," said Claire Tyler, Relate's chief executive. "By making help easier to access, we can create a culture where seeking relationship support is as normal as seeing their GP."

The manifesto highlights how relationships have changed, with couples marrying later, divorcing more frequently and having more children outside of marriage.

Recommendations put forward by the coalition include more relevant training for health workers, GPs, teachers and social workers and more accessible therapeutic services through schools and children's centres.

The charities have also called for post and antenatal services to better prepare parents for the effect a baby can have on their relationship.

The government's family green paper is due to be published next week.