CHARITY BACKS GELDOF

Following Bob Geldof's comments in the documentary 'Geldof on Marriage', family support charity Scottish Marriage Care called for more couples to take part in their FOCCUS pre-marriage inventory.

The charity's Chief Executive, Mary Toner, backed Geldof's claim that couples should take pre-marital classes. Toner said: "For years we have known that pre-marital processes such as FOCCUS greatly improve a couple's relationship. It's great that a celebrity has recognised this need as well."

Research in America shows that taking part in a pre-marriage programme like FOCCUS holds the key to successful marriages. Divorce statistics will also be reduced. Doing FOCCUS improves a couple's communication skills. Conflict management and overall relationship quality also get better. These improvements last for up to 3 years. 

Toner continues: "More couples are beginning to recognise the need to prepare themselves for marriage itself, rather than simply preparing for the wedding."

Last year 1,490 people completed the FOCCUS process. This is an 8% increase on the previous year. FOCCUS is now into its fourth year and Scottish Marriage Care expect the numbers doing FOCCUS to continue to grow.

For further information, please contact:

Jo Field, Research & Development Officer
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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