|TOP|CARE, the Christian social concern charity has welcomed news this week that the number of weddings taking place in England and Wales has increased for the third year in succession.

The statistics were officially released by the Office for National Statistics revealing that there were 270,700 marriages in England and Wales in 2004, which is a rise of 590 from the figures in 2003, and 15,100 greater than 2002.

The General Director of CARE, Nola Leach said, “We welcome these findings, and everything should be done to promote and sustain healthy marriages.

She added, “There is widespread evidence to show that being part of a family is better for adults and children, and that healthy family life provides the best basis for a stable society.|AD|

“Research carried out in the Netherlands shows that married people were healthier than single, divorced or cohabiting men and women. Rates of smoking, psychiatric problems, physical violence suicide, and alcoholism were lower among married couples than single people,” she concluded.

In relation to these new results, CARE also have released a booklet entitled, ‘For Better or For Worse: Marriage and Cohabitation Compared’, in which readers can find the above stated figures, as well as further findings. The booklet will contain updated facts and figures as well as revealing the results of family breakdowns.

In further support of the institution of marriage, CARE has set up ‘Celebrating Marriage’, which is a project designed to equip schools deliver marriage education.

More information on CARE’s project can be found by clicking HERE.