Northamptonshire charity's tips for maintaining healthy relationships during coronavirus isolation

"Our relationships will be hugely important for getting us through this unprecedented time."
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A Northamptonshire charity has put together some advice for maintaining healthy relationships while social distancing and self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.

Relate Northamptonshire has closed its face-to-face services but to meet demand for relationship support services, it has increased its capacity to deliver counselling via telephone and webcam.

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Chief executive Carolyn Benjamin said: “The coronavirus outbreak is leading to big, immediate changes in our everyday lives and people are understandably very concerned.

Family relationships may be tested by spending all of their time together. Photo: RelateFamily relationships may be tested by spending all of their time together. Photo: Relate
Family relationships may be tested by spending all of their time together. Photo: Relate

"Our relationships will be hugely important for getting us through this unprecedented time but self-isolation, social distancing and concerns about issues like finances may also pile on the pressure.

“That’s why it’s vital to look after your relationships as this national crisis unfolds.

"For anyone who’s struggling, Relate’s highly trained counsellors are still ready to help via our live chat, telephone and web counselling services.”

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Relate's tips cover topics such as how to stay connected, avoid falling out with your partner and family members, and how to talk to your children about the virus and reduce anxiety.

- If you are self-isolating at home you may feel disconnected from others.

- Make use of social media, text, instant messaging, phone and video messaging as ways of keeping connected.

- Your routines and roles may change if one or both of you are working from home. This could be a challenge or an opportunity so try to make it work for you by checking in regularly about how this is going.

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- You may need to get creative with the space if you are both working from home. Take turns to share the most comfortable spot.

- Stick to facts when talking to children and communicate with them calmly, consciously and responsibly, using simple language.

- Try to avoid using catastrophising language. Brushing things under the carpet can also increase anxiety so aim to strike a balance.

- If somebody says or does something to upset you, try counting to ten and taking some deep breaths. It may be that you no longer feel the need to ‘react’.

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To contact Relate Northamptonshire, call 01604 634400 or email [email protected].

To find out more about its digital services and access a range of information and self-help, visit relate.org.uk.

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