RESIDENTS in Okehampton and surrounding villages are being offered advice and training for people struggling with their relationship after the recession.

The charity Relate is staging a 'Credit Crunch' training day to help ease relationship problems caused by the recession.

Exeter and District Relate believes that the current climate is causing more and more people to be apprehensive about their future securities — stories of job losses and cuts and the stress of financial worries can increase the pressure on couples.

Rebecca Wellaway from the charity said: 'Financial pressures are a major source of arguments and resentments. Partners' spending priorities often differ, and this can trigger rows. Couples or individuals often come to Relate when these feelings have reached crisis point, but the manager would like to see couples coming at an earlier stage with their problems. This can prevent things escalating.'

Trainer Barbara Bloomfield, author of 'The Enemy Within' and the 'Relate Guide to Finding Love', said: 'The threat of redundancy can be one of the most stressful events a worker will face. You feel as though you're on the scrapheap and will never get another job. You need time to absorb the shock. Sharing your story with a group means you're not alone, you can think instead of reacting.'

On Credit Crunch Day, Saturday May 21, individuals can attend the training day to learn new coping strategies. They will be helped to deal with the pressures, including those that might be affecting their relationships, caused by the current economic climate.

Relate will charge a special rate of £35 for the day. For more information contact 01392 275681 or visit the website at http://www.relateexeteranddistrict.co.uk">www.relateexeteranddistrict.co.uk