72 jobs lost as charity Relate's Shropshire branch goes into liquidation

The marriage guidance organisation Relate has ceased trading in Shropshire.

Dozens of volunteers have also been told they have lost their roles at the Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire branch of the charity.

The charity has offices in the heart of Shrewsbury from where it ran its counselling services. Relate's charity shops in Shrewsbury, Church Stretton, Wellington, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Wem and Market Drayton have also all closed.

Official liquidators have been called in and a meeting of creditors will be held.

"This is a very sad time for all of us," said Sandie Dent, Shrewsbury office manager. "This is, of course, a very difficult time for all of us who are affected and we're extremely grateful for everyone's cooperation and professionalism. We're doing everything we can to support the staff, including working with the local Job Centre."

Most of the staff who have lost their jobs were part-time employees. They include 42 counsellors, 11 trainers, 11 shop managers and eight office support staff. About 40 volunteers were also involved.

Ms Dent said: "The centre's finances are subject to an ongoing liquidation process, and it would be inappropriate to speculate on figures at this time. Of course everything possible was done to turn around our fortunes but it was just not possible to stay open any longer."

Shropshire couples needing help are being offered phone or internet advice or sent out of the county.

Chris Sherwood, national chief executive of Relate, said: "We will continue to offer assistance at neighbouring centres. We understand this has been a difficult time for staff and are hugely grateful for their professionalism and understanding."

Couples told to seek aid on phone as crisis-hit Relate closes its doors

Once known as the National Marriage Guidance Council, Relate has transformed itself into the modern relationship advice charity. It deals with anybody experiencing relationship problems, regardless of their gender, marital status or circumstances.

Relate Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire has been a fixture on the charity circuit for 20 years.

Notices have been placed on the doors of Relate properties informing members of the public of the situation.

Relate Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire was part of the Relate federation, which is made up of national charity Relate and more than 50 independent local Relate centres across the UK. The Shropshire centre was established in 1996.

• Relate has set up a dedicated line for couples in Shropshire to call if they need guidance or advice.

• Former clients or those seeking help for the first time can call 01302 380929.

• They will be offered help via phone, online or an appointment out of the county.

• Finance firm Griffin & King has been brought in to oversee the disposal of the Shropshire branch’s assets.

• The insolvency experts are based at 26-28 Goodall Street, Walsall, WS1 1QL.

• Anyone who thinks they may have been affected by the closure of Relate is urged to contact the firm at this address or to call 01922 722205 to discuss the matter further.[/breakout]

Relate is the UK's largest provider of relationship support and every year it helps more than a million people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to strengthen their relationships and build for the future.

According to its website, Relate Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Staffordshire worked with about 12,000 people during the year.

It states: "Our aim is to work with anyone who wants and needs our services within our geographical area.

"As a charity we do not profit from the services we provide, however, we do need to cover costs. We aim to keep costs as low as possible and to raise funds to enable provision to all those who want and need our services."

No details were being released today about the extent of the debts the charity or the organisations that are owed money.

Sandie Dent, Relate centre manager, said: "Sadly, financial difficulties mean we have had to close our doors.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, counsellors, trustees, volunteers and supporters, for all their amazing work over the years."

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of national charity Relate, said: "Its closure is a sad blow.

"We understand the inconvenience this causes to clients who rely on the centre for support with their relationships."

Relate not only offers traditional counselling for families, couples and parents but also runs training courses and workshops aimed at prisoners, and partners or parents of prisoners.

It also works in schools offering guidance on relationship issues such as first relationships, sexuality, self esteem, and communication and in the workplace on building healthy relationships between employees and those in a managerial position.