Rekate counselling service back in Huddersfield after 10 years

Dec 2 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE economic downturn has increased the need for relationship counselling, according to the boss of a new service in Huddersfield.

Relate, the country’s biggest provider of relationship support, has re-opened its office in town after a 10-year absence.

The new branch is based at Brian Jackson House on New North Parade.

General manager Diane Huck said the organisation felt there was a demand for the service in Huddersfield.

And she said, along with the challenges people face when they get together with new partners who have children, financial pressures were probably the greatest cause of stress.

She said: “With today’s economic climate there’s a lot of pressure on couples and relationships. Whether people are in or out of work, financial strains can make it very difficult.”

Relate, a national federated charity, has 150,000 clients on its books across the country.

It offers relationship counselling with trained professionals for couples and individuals, sex therapy and life skills training for businesses and individuals.

There is a specialist counselling service for young people, family counselling and support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

It has offices in Keighley and Halifax, but has not had one in Kirklees for a decade.

Diane said: “Keighley and Halifax are very busy. I presume there will be the same uptake in Kirklees.”

She added: “We have always believed that stable and loving family relationships play a key role in helping adults and children feel secure, safe, confident and optimistic about the future.