A RELATIONSHIP charity is urging people in the region who are feeling that their relationship is under pressure in the current circumstances to seek support.

Relate Dorset & South Wiltshire has revealed the results of a survey which concludes that almost one in five people in a relationship in the region say they are feeling under pressure during the lockdown.

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive of Relate, has warned of a "post-lockdown relationship reckoning", where individuals, couples and families who are currently brushing issues under the carpet see tensions boil over as government restrictions are eased.

However, the findings from the survey has revealed that the south west seems to be coping better than many other regions of the UK.

The poll of 2,021 UK adults found that almost one in five respondents in relationships in the South West (17%) have had more arguments with their partner since lockdown. This is less than the UK average of 23%.

Surveyed parents who are currently living with their children are under pressure, with 24% in the South West saying they are finding it hard to create structure for their kids and keep to a routine. This was lower than the UK average of 34%

Sian Merriott, Centre Manager at Relate Dorset & South Wiltshire, said: “It’s good to see that, on the whole, the relationships of people living in the South West are faring pretty well.

"However, there’s still a significant proportion of people finding that the pandemic is magnifying existing issues.

"We always see a peak in people seeking relationship support after Christmas, when spending unusually long together brings issues to the surface.

"We’re expecting a similar peak after lockdown ends but would urge anyone experiencing issues to get in touch with Relate Dorset & South Wiltshire now rather than letting things fester until they get irreparably damaged.”

Relate Dorset & South Wiltshire has increased the availability of counsellors to support people and their relationships during the lockdown. More information can be found on their website.