Announcing the launch of Relationships Ireland (formerly MRCS)
The vital role of connection and intimacy in long-term relationships and the importance of maintaining this through shared activities was the message delivered at the launch of Relationships Ireland yesterday. Formerly known, for almost 50 years, as the Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service (MRCS), the organisation was relaunched as Relationships Ireland by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald.
Capturing the heart of relationships as a ‘dance of intimacy’ the launch of the new name took place in front of a capacity audience at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin yesterday. The event included the sultry sounds and sensual moves of the tango. Introducing the performance Lisa O’Hara, relationship expert at Relationship Ireland, said ‘tango is arguably one of the most passionate of dances and the key to it is the physical intimacy which one has to adopt to make the dance powerful, dramatic and engaging. It builds trust and respect and heightens emotions and connection.’ According to Lisa, the idea of using the tango was to reflect the integral part intimacy and connection play in successful long term relationships. ‘Most relationships are a dance of one kind or another and problems occur when the dancers become separated and lose that connection. Our message is that difficulties and conflict in intimate relationships can be resolved and the relationship transformed into one of real connection and passion. We have seen it happen many times in our work and here at Relationships Ireland we are all about helping couples achieve that.’
Earlier launching the new name and website (www.relationshipsireland.com) Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said. ‘The important work done by Relationships Ireland enhances family well-being through strengthening relationships between parents thus contributing to the welfare and development of children, which is particularly important to me as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs’.
Thanking the Minister for the vital role her Department plays in funding the service, through the work of the Family Support Agency, Fiona Slevin, Chairman of Relationships Ireland explained the reason for the change of name. ‘Our belief is that what matters most is the quality of the relationship not the formal status. Our new name reflects the fact that we now deal with many different types of relationships at many different stages’.
According to Yvonne Jacobson, Clinical Manager at Relationships Ireland, ‘Our new name and website are all about meeting clients’ needs and preferences. We believe it will make it simpler and easier for people to get the help they need, making it possible to address relationship issues before they become too severe’.
Speaking about the high emotional and financial cost of relationship breakdown Eugene Davy, solicitor and family law expert at Hayes Solicitors, argued that ‘the financial implications for marriage and relationship breakdown are substantial both for the individuals involved and the State. Relationships Ireland and similar agencies prevent many marriages and other relationships from breaking down and it is vital that they and other similar agencies continue to receive Government support and adequate funding’.
Concluding the event popular columnist, author and family expert John Sharry emphasised the vital importance of communication in relationships, ‘the ability to talk and connect with one another on an ongoing basis, during the good and bad times, is the life force of a happy relationship. Even in relationships under strain, as long as there is communication there is hope’
