Help for saving relationships on rocks

BROKEN relationships are a source of emotional pain for many people, but as Robyn McCue found out recently, separation doesn't have to mean a lifetime of heartache.

Ms McCue moved to Fairy Meadow a few months ago with her 14-year-old daughter after a difficult separation.

Looking to work through some of the issues facing her after the ordeal Ms McCue talked to a friend who put her onto Relationships Australia and a course for recently separated men and women.

Ms McCue said she felt supported the moment she walked through the doors to meet her course group.

"The atmosphere was very welcoming," she said.

"It was a non threatening environment (and) when you're coming from a situation which was fairly traumatic it felt like a safety net."

Relationships Australia run a range of courses to help both men and women and, according to Ms McCue, having a male presence at the meetings was helpful in giving her a new perspective.

"I have a huge amount of compassion for my ex-partner now," she said, adding that the course also helped her to deal with past guilt.

"That's probably the biggest part of the learning curve, learning to get over the guilt."

Relationships Australia reports a growing number of people attending their Wollongong programs, indicating that more and more locals are wanting to improve their family life.