Kevin Lawrenson, based in the Aisling Centre, Enniskillen, offers debt advice to those who need it RMG87
MONEY worries are the number one strain on relationships, a leading counselling charity, Relate NI said this week.
It was one of a three-charity group that carried out a UK-wide survey of 6,000 people in which 418 from here took part.
It found that, UK-wide, money worries are a critical issue in relationships, particularly for couples with children, 61%, compared to those without, 47%.
For those living in Northern Ireland, money worries are a top strain on relationships for 57% of people.
The findings are reflected in the workload of Kevin Lawrenson, the money debt adviser with Enniskillen-based Advice NI Debt Action. And, also, by Siobhan Peoples, the manager of Fermanagh Citizen Advice Bureau.
“Our last financial year (2014-15) was our busiest in our 39-year history”, she reported. “There is a lot of pressure of families, and Fermanagh is, I believe, unique, in that we can refer clients to five organisations that operate food banks. Other counties only have one or two.’
Mr Lawrenson, with whom Fermanagh CAB works closely, was equally adamant.
“No doubt about it, debt is causing the break-up of relationships because of the constant pressure of having to pay the bills and, the ones who are missing out are the working poor.
“As you know, Fermanagh has one of the lowest rates of pay in Northern Ireland and, when you are on a low income, you have to claim working tax credit and child tax credit to make it up.
“Everything has increased, we know that. Take, for instance a school uniform: it costs £177.30 in England and Wales, but it’s £202 here.
“The thing that has never been highlighted by the media in Fermanagh is the number of people within the county who are turning to food banks, and also, to St Vincent de Paul who are doing sterling work.”
And, it’s not just lack of money is putting relationships under strain.
The survey found that more than 12% of people here say they have no close friends, and 23% said had experienced the breakdown of their parents’ relationship.
And, according to Dave Murphy, Relate NI’s chief executive, family finances are frequently discussed with counsellors. Its services are provided to over 3,000 people annually through 10 centres, among them Irvinestown.
He said the study showed that, despite the improving economic climate, money worries still loom large for many, particularly those with children.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere