MORE people are expected to call in professionals to deal with a relationship breakdown in January, according to Relate, a charity providing relationship counselling.

Between January 2015 and 2016, there was a 39 per cent increase in calls to Relate's services, and a 31 per cent increase in users to their website.

Some people may be making resolutions to improve their relationships but on the other hand, tensions may have come to a head as families spend more time together over the Christmas period.

This trend is also noticeable in September, after the summer holidays.

Family solicitors Simpson Millar also get much busier in the New Year and find this is when a lot of divorces are initiated.

Peter Morris, national head of family law at Simpson Millar said: “There are in fact two spikes, peaking after winter and summer holidays. This is not to say holidays cause divorce; it just shows a correlation between divorce and the post-holiday seasons."

Kimberley Wall, service development manager at Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon, said: “It isn’t a surprise that Christmas, a time of additional financial burden, may cause additional pressure on families especially for parents who are more likely to find money worries a particular strain on their relationship at any time of year.

"Combine this with the fact that there will be extra household chores to complete and you are more likely to spend significant time with the extended family or together as a step-family (who may all have different Christmas traditions) that the period over Christmas could create more opportunity for family stress”.   

Kimberley has provided some tips on how to protect your family from breakdown this New Year:

  • With so much investment in a holiday, the levels of expectation can be very high and when that happens there may be a huge risk of disappointment. Especially if family members haven’t taken the time to understand what Christmas means to every individual in the family.
  • If it is your first Christmas together as a step-family then remember that you need to allow time for adjustments to set in.
  • Don’t overspend. The research shows that finances can have an impact on relationships so set a budget.
  • Make a relationship resolution
  • Use the Christmas Period as a time to reflect on your relationship. If it really was a chaotic or stressful time with the family or your partner over Christmas then don’t ignore it and just breathe a sigh of relief when everyone goes back to school/work.

Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon offer relationship counselling, family counselling, young person counselling, sex therapy and counselling services to survivors of domestic abuse. Charges can apply.

Contact them on 01242 523215 for more information or to book an appointment.