A NEW study shows one in five British couples are in distressed relationships putting families at "breaking point."

The report from Relate said 1.4m couples regularly considered separation or divorce, quarrelled, regretted being in their relationship and felt unhappy together.

The Relationship Distress Monitor study revealed stresses of parenting and financial worries are putting unbearable strains on relationships.

Now Relate Cheshire & Merseyside have launched its first ever appeal - "Breaking Point" - calling for donations to help subsidise their services.

They help around 3,700 people every year providing services helping couples families, children and young people.

Emma Cook, interim chief executive at Relate Cheshire & Merseyside, said: “It is hugely concerning that so many UK families are at breaking point. "We know from our own work in Cheshire and Merseyside that the relationships of families in the area are under increasing pressure.

"We see first-hand in our counselling rooms how broken and unhealthy relationships can lead to debt, loneliness, health problems, depression, homelessness, and criminality can have a profound effect on children’s life chances.

“Families can’t go on like this. We need to make sure that Relate’s services are available to everyone, not just those who can afford them, but we can’t do so unless we get donations to subsidise the cost.

"That’s why we are launching our Breaking Point appeal, calling on people to donate to us to help families find the answer that’s right for them, as with Relate’s support a breaking point can become a turning point.”

To donate visit www.relate.org.uk/donate