Relate predicts surge of calls as school year starts

There was a 14 per cent rise in the number of calls to the charity’s national number when children went back to school last September.

Now the team at Relate Bedfordshire and Luton are predicting it will be the same picture this year.

Many of the callers are parents asking for help with their relationship as a couple, and advice on how to deal with children’s anxiety over starting a new school year.

Angela Foll, chief executive of Relate Bedfordshire and Luton, said: “For some, the new school year can cause anxiety for both children and parents.

“For others, once the children are back at school they realise they can’t ignore problems in their couple relationship any more.

“Like early January, which is Relate’s busiest time, September is a time of the year when people naturally assess their relationships and many people look to Relate for help.”

Relate offers counselling for families, for children and young people, and on relationships.

For more information, call 01234 356350 or go to www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk.