A national freephone helpline for people who are in stressed-out families who feel they have no one to talk to be is to be unveiled by the Duchess of Cambridge.
The helpline is aimed at people who are struggling with issues including family arguments, money worries, parenthood and relationship difficulties. Family Line is to launch today (Tuesday 22nd January 2019) by the duchess who is focusing her charity work on early intervention in domestic problems, including supporting people who are about the start family life.
The line will be open every weekday evening from 6pm to 10pm and at weekends from 10am to 1pm. Its launch follows research with suggests one third of people in families want someone to talk to about their problems as social isolation is on the rise.
The service joins other free helplines such as Childline, founded 33 years ago, and Samaritans who provide support for emotional distress, struggling to cope and at risk of suicide.
David Holmes, the chief executive of Family Action, the charity that is running the helpline, said: ‘“We want to help families face their pressures together.
“Usually, simply talking will get everyday family monsters out in the open and that will usually be enough to stop them becoming overwhelming. But when talking to family or friends is not enough, families can now call Family Line.”
Paid staff and volunteers will be taking calls and responding to texts and emails. The charity produced a video launching the idea of a “family monsters” which showed a teenage son emptying half a bottle of spirit in the sink whilst a parent sleeps off the effect on the sofa and a young mother holding her head in despair as her newborn does not stop crying.
The top five pressures facing families today are:
- 52% money
- 50% health and wellness
- 49% lack of time together
- 40% work and education
- 37% relationships
- 16% arguments, feuds or disputes
The number will be 0808 802 6666; people can text for help to 07537 404 282 or email familyline@family-action.org.uk.
