The Federal Government has commenced its Stronger Relationships Trial where couples can receive $200 in Counselling Services for free.
The trial is about strengthening relationships and helping couples avoid relationship breakdown, separation and divorce which contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of our nation. This funding is available to all couples, any age or sexuality.
Research has shown that relationship education and counselling can help couples improve their communication and conflict resolution skills, strengthening relationships and reduce family breakdown. The Department of Social Services states ‘Relationship education and counselling can help couples cope with changes and challenges, such as moving in together, having a baby, getting married, or managing their money. Importantly, it equips couples with the skills to deal with challenges before they become big issues’.
In order to be eligible to participate in the Stronger Relationships trial, both members of a couple must be:
• in a committed relationship;
• Australian citizens or permanent residents
• 18 years or older.
“What is great to know is this initiative is open to all couples, young or old, heterosexual or non-heterosexual. This in itself is a great step forward”, says Family Therapist Karen Phillip.
The trail is running only up until 1 July, 2015 so all couples would be well placed to use the free service and learn communication techniques that are so often the reason for the relationship failure.
Some of the types of problems that would greatly benefit include:
- Couples who are now finding themselves alone due to their children leaving home. It is these times when couples often reassess their position and this can be very confronting.
- Couples planning their wedding to discuss the changes before them
- Those planning a separation, why not exhaust all avenues before this huge step
- Same sex couples as they start their new life together, especially if either partner has children from a previous relationship
- Couples that have been together for a while yet continually argue or question their relationship
Please visit www.buildingstrongerrelationships.com.au to find out more and to access your $200 Voucher