National Couple Support Network

Learning and instruction are part of our culture in almost every area of life, from computer skills to antenatal classes. So it’s no surprise that it’s also possible to learn the necessary skills to build a marriage that lasts a lifetime.

Marriage is one of the building blocks of society, and yet so many begin marriage with unrealistic expectations and no role model for what a committed adult relationship looks like. In the UK we have one of the highest divorce rates in Europe, and none of us have to look far to see the devastating effect of family breakdown.

Marriage preparation can significantly reduce the possibility of marriage breakdown. Couples are given the opportunity to take a step back to learn skills and begin to develop good habits, to understand choice and commitment, and to set in place the foundations for the years to come.

The National Couple Support Network is a partnership between Care for the Family and the Family Life Department of Holy Trinity Brompton. It aims to offer marriage preparation to engaged couples throughout the country. The plan is to appoint a co-ordinator in each of the 344 registration districts who will contact engaged couples through the churches and the register offices. The church and register office are strategic gateways as every engaged couple needs to have contact with either a church leader or Registrar in order to make the legal arrangements for the wedding. Engaged couples will be offered a marriage preparation course to attend, a questionnaire to complete and a link with a married couple (a ‘support couple’) who will share something with them of the ups and downs of married life.

An added bonus: acting as a support couple not only helps the engaged couple, but also benefits the marriage of the support couple themselves!

The network is continuing to grow and there are currently 49 volunteer coordinators working in registration districts across the country.

If you are interested in becoming a coordinator and giving couples ‘the best possible start’, please contact The National Couple Support Network at Care for the Family, Garth House, Leon Avenue, Cardiff, CF15 7RG, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (029) 2081 1733.

Click to find out more about making the most of marriage preparation.

Last Updated 04 February 2011