SAMH report supports relationship services

The latest research from SAMH has found people with severe mental health problems are three times more likely to be separated or divorced and twice as likely as those who haven't experienced mental health problems, to live alone.

The findings support family support charity Scottish Marriage Care's ethos that the formation and maintenance of healthy relationships are of paramount importance.

"This research further validates our position that healthy, happy relationships are a crucial factor in establishing personal happiness," said Chief Executive Mary Toner.

"Supportive relationships and the knowledge that you have people you can confide in and turn to when times are hard is so important; whether that be a partner, family member or friend. SMC helps people at all ages and stages learn the key skills in establishing and maintaining positive, healthy relationships."

The report stated that 75 percent of people using mental health services said they had no partner, compared with 32 percent of the general population. The report found mental health sufferers experienced widespread exclusion but that establishing and maintaining relationships with friends, family and partners was an important factor in promoting recovery.

Another key finding in the report was the recommendation that mental health service providers and planners support people in maintaining existing relationships and promote the development of new relationships. 

SMC provide a number of relationship support services from 21 rural and urban locations throughout Scotland.

"The key objective of the study was to find out how included people using mental health services were. It's major finding however, was that people suffering mental health problems were at a disadvantage in forming and maintaining relationships, probably the best single thing anyone can do to improve their mental health," said Mary Toner.

For further information, please contact:

April Mitchinson, Research and Communications Manager
Scottish Marriage Care, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA

Phone:0141-222 2166
Fax: 0141-222 2144
E-mail: Info@ScottishMarriageCare.org

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