A NEW initiative to help couples whose relationships may have been affected by the recession has been launched by Accord, the Catholic marriage counselling service.
The Take Heart initiative aims to help couples take stock and invest in their relationships during these difficult times, according to Accord. It was launched last night by Dublin Lord Mayor Emer Costello, in the presence of Dr Willie Walsh, Bishop of Killaloe and president of the organisation.
Accord says there has been a “huge increase” in couples coming forward for counselling over the past few months as a direct result of the pressure of the new economic climate and/or unemployment. Financial difficulties were having a detrimental effect on people’s sense of self-worth, their relationships and their family life.
The incidence of financial difficulties for married couples was found to be highest in Newbridge, Tallaght, Donegal, Galway, Tralee, Limerick and Bray.
As part of the initiative, three seminars are being held, designed to allow people to deal with unemployment-related issues.
Accord says counselling and other experts will contribute to the seminars, and participants will be actively invited to contribute and reflect on their situations.
The first seminar, on Taking Stock, takes place next Monday, September 28th, at 7pm. Two further seminars on Investing in Yourself and Investing in Relationships are scheduled for the two following Mondays – all three seminars take place in the Clarion Hotel on Excise Walk in Dublin 1.
