FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION MOVES FROM FAMILY FOCUS TO PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITY
Relationships Education moves from family focus to public policy priority with the opening on Tuesday 7 February of the fourth National Relationships Education Conference in London. Co-hosted by the Relationships Foundation, Time for Families and 2-in-2-1 (Two into One), the conference brings together thinkers, practitioners and policy makers to explore how to promote and support healthy, effective relationships in families, communities and organisations. The diverse keynote speakers include Rt Hon Dr Oliver Letwin MP, Dr Indarjit Singh, and Professor Gillian Stamp, who will highlight the ways in which healthy relationships are central to success and happiness in every aspect of our lives, 24/7. Speaking before the conference, the Executive Director of the Relationships Foundation, Dr Michael Schluter said ‘The interest in relationships reveals a growing awareness by professionals and business that public policy has been dominated by a narrow economic agenda. ‘It also reveals a transition from relationships being talked about simply in moral terms to an evidence-based debate. Research tells us a great deal about the significance of good relationships and we can now clearly see the beneficial impact of long-term committed relationships for individuals, organisations and society as a whole. ‘We are hoping the conference will highlight the need for a broader framework in approaching public policy, one that will in turn trigger a search for policy tools which help to create a socially sustainable environment around building better relationships.’ Dr Schluter said The Chief Executive of Time for Families, Simon Pellew said ‘Extensive multiple research projects have concluded that relationship breakdown causes short and long-term emotional, social and financial damage to adults, children and the structure of society as a whole. ‘For offenders and their families, relationship skills can provide a key to reintegration into family and community life on release from prison. Stable relationships can help to prevent re-offending and can reduce the trauma of crime for tens of thousands of households.’ Mr Pellew said. Dave Percival, Founder of 2-in-2-1 said ‘People of every age group value long-term, healthy relationships, but changes to family lifestyle and structure have deprived many of the next generation of both opportunity and skills. We believe it’s essential that policy makers and practitioners grasp the nettle and start to redress the balance. The evidence that good quality relationship education works is compelling – what is now needed is to make relationships education attractive and accessible, and shift the natural barriers in people’s minds. A core principle of 2-in-2-1 is a commitment to equipping people to build sustainable relationships which reach the deeper emotional needs of each person. This conference represents the cutting edge of our work and I am delighted to be a part of it.’
ENDS
Editors Note: Following his keynote address, Rt Hon Dr Oliver Letwin will be available for questions.
www.relationshipsfoundation.org
www.timeforfamilies.org.uk
www.2-in-2-1.co.uk
Michael Schluter, Simon Pellew and Dave Percival will be available for interview on Monday 5 February and Tuesday 6 February, 2007. For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Nicola Templeton, Communications Adviser, Relationships Foundation 01223 341278 or Mob 07986 120610