Coxhoe Parish Council understand that in difficult financial times relationships between people can get strained. Problems with relationships can affect people inside and outside the families concerned and Coxhoe Parish Council wants to ensure that our communities are sustainable. It is pleased to note to know that relationship help and advice is at hand and supports the work of organisations like Relate.
How can Relate help you?
Relate is a national registered charity with over 60 years experience working with people and their relationships. Relate North East is an independent charity but is part of the Relate Federation and abides by its standards. Relate is not just about marriage problems. It offers advice, relationship counseling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through its website.
When things go wrong it may be natural to turn to family and friends for help but they sometimes can take sides and not see the situation clearly. A Relate Councillor is impartial and help you see what is really happening and why things are difficult. They may be able to find a way forward which is right for you.
You do not have to be married to seek help from Relate and their counsellors can see you and your partners or you on your own. Relate advise that early help from them can help save relationships.
Can relate help children and young people?
Relate children and young people’s counselling service is for any young person who is having problems at home. Their counsellors are able to help you to talk about the things that are worrying you. Children and young people have told Relate that seeing a Relate counsellor helps because they are independent from either your school or home life. Relate counsellors help you to talk honestly and openly and can support you with problems like family breakdown, moving in with a second family or bullying at school.
You can expect to be helped by a supportive and non-judgmental counsellor either at a local Relate Centre near your home, or you might see a counsellor in school. You can be referred by a teacher, social worker, or you can ask to see a counsellor yourself – what you say is confidential, unless the counsellor is worried for your safety.
What help can Relate provide to families?
Family counselling helps you to understand and cope better with the stresses and strains of family life. Families can be a source of support, encouragement and love but sometimes relationships within families are put under strain and family members feel isolated or overlooked. Family counselling can help when siblings aren’t getting on, or parents and children are going through a divorce or separation. Forming a new family is a challenge and it is at this point that many parents contact Relate for some support to help everyone settle.
Every family member can expect to have a voice and be heard within family counselling. Relate family counsellors help everyone to say how they are feeling and then to work out their differences.
I’ve suffered from domestic violence, can Relate help me?
Relate say that one in four of their clients tell them about violence in their relationships. If you are being hurt or are afraid for your safety or the safety of your children then counselling with your partner may not be safe. You can, however come and see a counsellor on your own by telephoning the local office and ask to speak to someone in confidence. Relate do not offer legal, financial or medical services. However, if you need these, or any other service Relate may be able to let you know what alternative sources of help there are.
Can Relate help with love life problems?
Sex therapy can help you if you are experiencing difficulties in your love life. All couples go through periods where they don’t have the time or energy for regular sex. If this has become the norm and you would like to rediscover your sex life, then Relate’s sex therapy programme is right for you. It’s natural to want better sex with your partner and sometimes there are specific reasons for your difficulties. Don’t be embarrassed about it – get help from the experts.
Relate sex therapy can help couples and individuals (gay, lesbian or straight) overcome specific sexual dysfunctions. If you would like to read more about the very common problems we treat, like Erectile Dysfunction which affects 1 in 10 men over the age of 40.
Can I talk to a counsellor confidentially?
All councelling services take place in private and records are always secure. Relate never divulge any details to anyone without your permission, unless, especially a child or vulnerable adult, is considered to be at risk.
Is there a charge for advice?
There is a charge for services unless these have been paid for out of a local scheme. You can find out more information about costs through the website or contacting your local office.
Relate Contact Details
You can find out much more about Relate by accessing their website.
The local Durham office contact details are as follows:
Address:
3a Sunderland Road,
Gilesgate,
Durham,
DH1 2LH
Telephone: 0191 3841198
Email: durham@relatenortheast.org.uk
National Relate Helpline: 03001001234