A surge in calls from warring couples has prompted a huge increase in counselling sessions at South Essex Relate, it was revealed today.

Marriage guidance counsellors have been inundated with calls for help since the long Christmas and new year holidays.

More appointments than usual are being booked and more information is being sent out as families struggle to cope with tension.

Julie Sellwood, director of South Essex Relate, which covers Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Basildon, said: "It seems the festive break, together with the expectations that the new year would bring positive changes have created tensions within families and between partners."

Relate, based in Harcourt Avenue, Southend, has also received floods of calls for its Family Mediation Service.

Even before Christmas, people were calling about their difficulties.

Ms Sellwood added: "The festive season can be a time of great tension for a large number of couples, who certainly try hard to make a go of things, but find that the emotional demands of this period prove to be the final straw for the relationship.

"Sometimes, couples do not want to use counselling services to continue the relationship but have already decided to divorce or separate and mediation can be an amicable way of sorting out their future lives, especially when it comes to making arrangements for children.

"My message to couples who find themselves in this type of conflict - even famous couples like Scary Spice and her partner Jimmy - is to phone the nearest Family Mediation Service to see what they can do for you."

For more information about counselling or an appointment, call Relate South Essex on 01702 432901 or the South Essex Family Mediation Service on 01702 436366.

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