After 75 Years of supporting people in Northern Ireland with their relationships, we know that relationships matter, and are at the heart of a thriving society. Evidence shows that good quality relationships can prevent, delay or minimise the effects of certain health conditions such as dementia.
We also know that relationships are not always at the heart of public policy, despite the evidence that they are ‘The Best Medicine’ for many of the issues which we as a society in NI grapple with each day, including family conflict, living with disabilities, loneliness & mental health issues.
In fact, a 2014 evaluation of Relate’s Couples Counselling Service alongside Westminister’s Department of Education found that for every £1 invested in Relate couple counselling, £11.40 benefits accrue. Subsequently, the cost of relationship breakdown to the UK State in 2016 was estimated at £48 billion.
The ‘Relationships Manifesto NI’ sets out our key policy asks for decision-makers. It gives political candidates an insight into importance of healthy relationships, allowing them to champion relationships at the centre of campaigning and public policy.