NHS to give marriage guidance

By Jamie Lyons, 22/11/2009

ROWING couples are to get free relationship therapy on the NHS, ministers will announce this week.

Those who have hit a rocky patch will receive psychological counselling in a bid to stop them falling into depression and taking time off work - and to prevent their kids being caught up in the fallout.

Last night, Health Secretary Andy Burnham told the News of the World: "Trouble at home can lead to depression and anxiety, but a bit of help and support can stop it spiralling out of control.

"Professional therapy can help people rebuild relationships or separate amicably - that's why I want couples' therapy widely available on the NHS."

He said the counselling provided a safe setting where partners could explore their relationship.

The programme will begin next April and health chiefs are braced for a deluge of couples seeking therapy. To meet demand, the NHS will train more than 4,000 therapists over the next five years.

Mr Burnham will announce the policy in a major speech on mental health on Thursday.

Experts say psychological counselling for relationship problems is as important as helping people get over drug addiction.

Dr Chris Boyce, from Warwick University, said: "Therapy is a very effective way of increasing people's wellbeing. The importance of money for bringing happiness is vastly overvalued in society - people do not realise the powerful effect that therapy can have."

Send to a friend

Your comments

This article has 3 comments

Children are more likely to be harmed in the long run if their parents are continuing rowing and are unhappy within their marriage by forcing the parents to stay together for their sake.
If their parents are not getting on the children are contantly in the middle of war zone. Better altogether if the parents split up. The parents then at least should be able to find a happy medium which works to benefit children in the long run.
I speak from experience.

By Lorna.. Posted November 22 2009 at 11:26 AM.

I think it's a good idea, a lot of the children from these relationships may end up damaged and perpetuating the same problems within their own relationships. I think this is a move forward in ensuring stable upbringings for otherwise troubled children, and of course happiness for the adults.

By KK.. Posted November 22 2009 at 9:08 AM.

Hmmm. Good thought. But how long would the waiting lists be??

By Gillian.. Posted November 21 2009 at 8:39 PM.

Post your comment here

Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our TERMS & CONDITIONS

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.
Visit The News of the World website
SITE WEB
We are No1 for Videos
Latest news stories from the News of the World
Take That's Howard Donald smoked cannabis then got dutchy-feely with brunette from Holland Howard strayed from other half for secret duets with a married mum
Venables link with Baby P rap boss Sharon Shoesmith Link between the tragic child death cases of Bulger and Baby P.
I'll give free finance to all and cut 50% tax rate (eventually) *EVENTUALLY. Tory chancellor grilled by NOTW experts.
Killed by cuts Memo shows hell behind shrinking army budgets.
Big Buzz for Pamela Anderson Astronaut thinks Baywatch babe is out of this world.
Adrian Chiles: I'll quit One Show host reveals he might jump before he's axed.
'Patriotic' EDL exposed as racist, violent thugs 'Patriotic' EDL exposed as racist, violent thugs.
Jade Goody had a list of things to do..but time ran out Best pal tells of tragic last days
Shock probe into the 'new Twitter', chatroulette.com Shocking probe into site hailed 'new Twitter'
VENABLES 'ESCAPES THE DOCK' But he could face 10 years locked up without trial.
BA-re knuckle flight BA boss Walsh vows not to 'wimp out' of battle.