Most people say that the quality of their family relationships is good, however, the main factors which can have a negative effect on family relationships are stress, lack of time, money worries and lack of communication. These are among the findings from a recent MORI poll conducted on behalf of Alone in London.

The poll also reveals some striking differences by age and social class with young people more likely to say that stress is the main contributor to a negative family relationship. The more affluent AB's are also more inclined to say that stress adversely effects family relationships, as well as lack of time.

The run up to Christmas is traditionally associated with families coming together. The importance of whom we often tend to forget, only to be reminded when there is a crisis or wedding, bringing us together in support or celebration.

Nowadays also, the demands of modern life seem to place ever more pressures on us. Time has become valuable in the mad rush to do everything we set ourselves. Working the longest hours in Europe doesn't help either. Worry and anxiety over the stability of our jobs, not to mention whether our pensions will be enough to look after us in old age are ever present. Sprinkle that with a measure of the global terror we do not like to admit out loud, and the pressure seems unbearable.

It is clear we are increasingly more stressed about things, have very little time to spare, and seemingly by the month become more unsure of the future.

What effect does modern life combined with the Christmas mayhem have on our family relationships?

The research found stress played a major part in reducing the quality of family relationships (almost half (43%) of those asked). A third of people (33%) said lack of time had a major effect, whilst a third also told us lack of communication was the problem.

None of this is particularly reassuring as we plan and prepare for Christmas. The strain on some families and in particular young people can be too much. Indeed 80% of Children who run away do so because of poor family relationships .

Alone in London strongly believes that good family relationships are important especially where vulnerable young people are concerned.
"Too much emphasis in the past has been place on accommodation or 'bricks and mortar' for homeless people. We took the decision several years ago to strike a balance between practical and emotional support like coping with family breakdowns and trying to re-build family relationships" said Alone in London director Gaynor Quilter

The findings by MORI however do hold hope for families in difficult times. People believe strongly that doing activities together as a family is important for improving their relationships, but they just do not have
the time.

More surprisingly, showing feelings and signs of affection was seen as vital, by two-thirds of people and the main factor in maintaining good
family relationships.

A similar number said that listening was also essential. "We all have two ears and one mouth and we try to use them in this proportion. At the very foundation of our work is listening, sometimes that is enough to help. When it is not, we have developed our services according to what vulnerable young people say they need," said Gaynor Quilter.

Alone in London would urge everyone to try to listen more, talk and do things together as a family or with a family member. Try to do them yourself, but when you can not, get some to facilitate to help. After all stability, having a secure future and good family relationships would top most peoples Christmas lists.

For further information regarding the research on family relationships in Great Britain and other work

Contact Mark Forrester 020 7529 8101
Email    Mark Forrester