David Holmes CBE Chief Executive, Family Action Understanding the Link between couple relationship quality and poverty David Holmes CBE Chief Executive, Family Action

SUPPORTING FAMILIES TO BE STRONGER THAN EVER Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to people who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or social isolation across England.

EFFECTS OF POVERTY ON RELATIONSHIPS Low incomes put pressure on relationships Low income jobs often result in long working hours – creates feelings of resentment, exhaustion and stress When partners are not working, stress and difficulties can increase Feelings of guilt associated with the person not working

EFFECTS OF POVERTY ON RELATIONSHIPS Easily fall into debt traps – builds pressure and stress in relationships Recreational activities that can have a positive effect on relationships like day trips, meals out or family activities do not happen Difficult relationships frequently lead to Domestic Abuse Quality of day to day parenting may decrease Some parents need to “escape”

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS Family Action’s Parents as Partners (PAP) programme is implemented with Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships (TCCR) Overview: Running to the end of March 2015, seven groups now completed in London, with four groups commencing in Manchester Benefits from having Family Caseworkers alongside the groups - positively affects high retention rates plus provides couples with support in-between groups Family Caseworkers also enable some couples to be referred on to appropriate services at the end of the PAP programme

PARENTS AS PARTNERS RESULTS Satisfaction data from parents at end of sessions: 91% of parents agreed/strongly agreed that the group sessions covered useful topics; 94% of parents agreed/strongly agreed that they had benefitted from the activities done in the group; 82% of parents agreed/strongly agreed that their relationship with their co-parent had got better since starting the group; 82% of parents agreed/strongly agreed that their relationship with their child had changed since starting the group; 83% of parents agreed/strongly agreed that the group has met their needs as a partner and a parent

PARENTS AS PARTNERS RESULTS Parents feedback about what they liked best about the group: “Feeling free to be truthful; feeling supported; being seen, not judged.” “To be in a place where you feel safe to talk without arguments (from partner).” “Sharing experiences and getting perspective or insight into other peoples’ problems putting our own into perspective.” “Family worker has been amazingly supportive. That we have been able to chat about our feelings openly. That the advice from our peers has been great help.”