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Looking after your relationship

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Money & Work Relationships and shared parenting

Raising a family can be a difficult thing for any couple. But there are things you and your partner can do to support each other and keep your relationship strong.

Tips for maintaining your relationship

Support available

If you and your partner are having relationship issues there is support out there to help.

  • The mygov.scot website has more information about the relationship and counselling support that’s available, as well as links to guidance on mediation and help for people separated from their partners
  • The Your Parenting Plan section on the Scottish Government website has a guide for parents who live apart or who are separating, on how to agree on childcare.
  • You can find a local counselling service through Relationships Scotland. The charity has information about what happens at counselling including how much it costs. They can also help you find a mediator.
  • The Relationship Helpline is available to provide support and a friendly listening ear. Phone the charity's relationship helpline on 0808 802 2088. It's open from Monday to Thursdays from 9am to 9pm (Fridays 9am to 4pm) and it's a free number. The Helpline can also set you up with free relationship counselling either online or on the phone if you feel more in depth support would help. 
  • For advice and tips on understanding conflict and emotional needs to transform relationships, visit the Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution website for award winning digital resources.
  • The Solihull Approach Online courses for parents and carers cover a range of topics and ages from pregnancy to 19+ years, and include a course about adult relationships. You can find out moreon the Solihull website and access the courses for free using the code TARTAN.

Staying safe

Everyone’s situation is different, and home isn’t always a safe place for some people. If this is true for you or anyone you know, there is support available.

Anyone in Scotland experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage and anyone supporting them can get help from Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 127 1234.

For anyone affected by sexual violence, support is also available via a helpline and also by email at Rape Crisis Scotland.

You can find more advice on the safer.scot website.

These organisations can also offer help and support:

Abused Men in Scotland – 0808 800 0024
National helpline to support abused men.

LGBT Youth Scotland – 0300 999 5428
Help for LGBT  people experiencing abuse.

FearFree
Support for victims of domestic abuse who identify as male or from the LGBT+ community.

Karma Nirvana – 0800 599 9247
Support for victims of domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Hemat Gryffe – 0141 353 0859
Support for Asian, black and minority ethnic women.

Shakti Women’s Aid – 0131 475 2399
Help for black minority ethnic women.

Last updated: 17 Aug, 2023