The shelves are stacked in a local food bank RMGFH74
THE relationship advice charity, Relate NI – which had an input into a major survey published this week – operates a ‘clinic’ in Irvinestown which caters for County Fermanagh.
A spokesman explained that, given the sensitive nature of its relationship counselling services, some people will also travel to Belfast for counselling for purposes of anonymity.
During the last financial year April 1 2014-March 31, 2015), Relate, locally, provided 349 counselling sessions to 57 clients, and in the first five months of this financial year (April-August) it has provided 127 counselling sessions to 32 clients.
There is, currently, one counsellor based in Irvinestown and a team of counsellors Irvinestown and Dungannon can draw upon to increase capacity as and when required in the two centres.
Asked if funding is a problem, the spokesman explained: “As you are probably aware, the funding climate is becoming much more challenging for Relate along with other charities. Increased funding would allow us to build our capacity and promote/advertise our services in County Fermanagh and across the whole of Northern Ireland.”
One of the key issues the charity faces is attempting to deal with the perception that Relate just provides ‘marriage guidance’.
“Relate has come a long way from marriage guidance”, the spokesman stressed, “and we are now as likely to work with families, support relationships amongst parents and children/young people, siblings, blended and extended families, and those interacting with the health and social care and criminal justice systems, as well as providing relationship counselling to couples whether married or not and to the LGBT community.
“We also provide counselling to victims/perpetrators of domestic abuse/violence and have been delivering psychosexual therapy for over 30 years.”
He concluded:
“We know that good-quality relationships are good for us, and evidence shows that we live happier, longer and more prosperous lives when we have people to share with.
“Relate campaigns to see relationship support for children, adults and families at the heart of the social justice agenda.”
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