National charity Family Lives is bracing itself for an increase in calls to its helpline, Parentline, over the festive period from families in crisis.

Latest Family Lives statistics show that since Christmas 2007:

• Calls about couple disagreements - with current or ex partners - have increased by 5.38 %. Couple disagreements generally are higher over Christmas and the New Year (12.63%), compared to all long calls throughout a non-festive quarter (11%).
• Feelings of isolation amongst adult callers have increased by 5.36%. Isolation calls are higher over Christmas and the New Year (8%), compared to all long calls throughout a non-festive quarter (6.38%).
• Calls regarding abuse directed to the adult carer – whether from child or partner – have increased by 2.25%. Abuse related calls are higher over Christmas and the New Year (5%), compared to any non-festive quarter (4%).
• Calls about child mental health issues have increased by almost 10 % since Christmas 2007.
• Calls concerning divorce issues affecting children increased by 3.23% since Christmas 2007. Divorce issues affecting children over Christmas and the New Year is higher (14.53%), compared to all long calls throughout a non-festive quarter (13.78%).
• Calls concerning conflict- with between siblings or parents - has increased by 4% since Christmas 2007