Background
The strategy is primarily for Government and statutory services to help them to determine the way forward and, in particular, to help it to assess the appropriate level of funding and how resources can be used most effectively.

But it is also for organisations delivering relationship support to help them with guidance and direction to improve the services they offer. This summary will also be of interest to couples themselves.

Introduction

• This strategy has been agreed by the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Group on Marriage and Relationship Support. Membership.
• The Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) has responsibility for policy development and funding for supporting the adult couple.
• Marriage and relationship support is activity that aims to help people establish and maintain successful relationships.

Why marriage and relationship support is important

• Stable relationships and families are key to a healthy society.
• When relationships break down there can be adverse effects on couples, children, society and the taxpayer.

When marriage and relationship support can be important

• There are various life stages where changes in relationships may impose challenges or difficulties, e.g. birth of a first child, children starting school. Some involve contact with those who can help and where preventative work can be focused.
• In addition, challenges that may cause distress and problems can arise at any time in a relationship - for example, serious ill-health, unemployment, financial problems.
• Supporting couples at these times may give them resources to cope more successfully.

Where we are now

• Family life is undergoing unprecedented change. Marriage and partnerships are more fragile than they were even a generation ago.
• LCD funding for marriage and relationship support increased to £4.5 million in 2001-02, and will rise to £5 million in 2002-03. This is for core funding for national organisations and some research and project funding.
• The voluntary sector is crucial to the delivery of support, and the private sector is also a considerable provider. Other organisations concentrate on practice development and research. The statutory sector - especially health - plays a very important role.

Why we need to move on - "Too little, too late"

• The focus of counselling provision is on the later stages of relationship breakdown, when crisis point is reached. In the majority of cases, counselling does not save the relationship, as it comes too late. In any event, the majority of couples in difficulties do not use counselling.
• There is a lack of public awareness about how to improve relationships.
• For many, there is antipathy, embarrassment or stigma attached to seeking help.
• Many do not know where to go for help if they have problems.
• Services are not always readily accessible.
• A tendency for 'one size fits all' provision is not the best approach.
• Support has concentrated almost exclusively on adults, but children's needs and concerns must also be met.
• Best practice, where identified, is insufficiently publicised.
• There has been too little research, monitoring and evaluation.

Conclusion
A growing body of evidence demonstrates the health benefits and the benefits to children of committed, harmonious couple relationships. The adverse effects on society of relationship breakdown, and the positive effects of stable couple relationships make a strong case for action. A good deal is already being achieved - but it is too little, and much of it comes too late.

This strategy shows the way forward. It includes ten areas for future development and action. Research and evaluation are key elements. Even modest improvements are worthwhile - not least in raising the importance of supporting couples, of investing in the couple.