When black couples encounter problems in their relationship they tend not to go for advice....
In an effort to support and strengthen black partnerships and marriage, businessman Michael Kelly founded and launched 2as1 last year.
This national organisation aims to make the services provided by established marriage support centres, such as Relate, more accessible to the black community. To aid it in its tasks, 2as1 has received a partnership grant to work alongside Relate and run a national campaign to raise awareness of their services within the black community. Kelly explained: “The black community suffers from the highest rate of teenage pregnancy and has the highest ratio of single mothers.
When black couples encounter problems in their relationship they tend not to go for advice.
The state of marriage and relationship support within our community is very limited. “The awareness campaign will introduce benefits of relationship and marriage support to the black community and other commonly excluded groups.” 2as1 recognises the very vital role played by black churches in supporting relationships and is in the process of devising training courses for ministers and lay pastors so that they can help couples who are experiencing difficulties. As well as working with established organisations, 2as1 will also work with individuals to help them improve their relationship skills.
They currently organise open training sessions for black men in order to empower, motivate and equip them to deal with relationship issues.
If 2as1 achieves its aims, black families will therefore become more secure and our community will enjoy the benefits that a solid and strong family life brings.”
