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About us
Who are we?
How did we begin?
What is special about our approach?
What is our attitude towards public policy?
What do we do?
Why do we need your support?
Can I become a member?
Who
are your trustees and sponsors?"
WHO ARE WE?
Family Education Trust (Family & Youth Concern) is a national educational trust which researches the causes and consequences of family breakdown. It has no political or religious affiliations and is funded entirely by voluntary donations. It neither solicits nor accepts government funding, directly or indirectly.
HOW DID WE BEGIN?
The organisation was founded in 1971 by the late Stanley Ellison, a London GP specialising in preventative medicine. Dr Ellison became convinced that many of his patients were suffering not so much from unavoidable physical ailments as from the effects of the profound lifestyle changes ushered in by the ‘permissive society’ of the 1960s. Within a few years, there had been significant changes in both laws and social attitudes in such areas as divorce, having children outside of marriage, abortion and pornography. The prevailing view was that medical and scientific advances, coupled with more generous welfare provisions for those unable to support themselves, would prevent any ill-effects from the new social order, and that on the whole people would be happier if freed from the constrictions of formal institutions.
As a result of a letter in The Times, Dr Ellison was contacted by people who shared his concern that the breakdown of the traditional family could have long-lasting and serious consequences. This was the beginning of Family & Youth Concern.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT OUR APPROACH?
There are a number of organisations, which deal with distinct issues such as abortion or pornography, but we have always looked for underlying causes of problems. We are not a single-issue organisation. We live in a very pragmatic society in which people seek – and politicians promise – quick solutions to every problem. We have often argued that these short-term fixes may be the cause of further problems themselves.
The organisation is research-based. There is no area in social science in which the evidence stacks up so completely on one side: marriage and traditional family life are associated with good outcomes in terms of health, wealth and other indicators of well-being.
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WHAT IS OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS PUBLIC POLICY?
A community of stable families has fewer problems with crime, anti-social behaviour and isolation than a community in which short-lived relationships are the norm. For this reason we believe that public policy should support the traditional family.
Unfortunately, the view that people should be free to make their own choices, without having to accept any adverse consequences, dominates the public policy agenda. Support for the family has been stripped away in every vital area. Liberal divorce laws have rendered marriage less meaningful as a commitment. The tax and benefits system makes marriage unattractive for those on low-incomes and fails to recognise the work of mothers at home. The married couple’s allowance has been abolished.
Our particular area of concern has always been the welfare of young people. It is therefore highly significant that public policy has progressively undermined the ability of parents to care for their own children. Young people, including children under the legal age of consent to sexual intercourse, are being provided with contraceptives and then treated for the outcomes of sexual relationships by means of abortion and sexually transmitted disease clinics, without their parents ever having to be informed. We believe that parents are the natural protectors of their children, and, other than in exceptional cases, should always be involved in decisions about their welfare.
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WHAT DO WE DO?
We put forward our point of view by means of publications, newsletters, videos, submissions to public enquiries, and by acting as a point of contact for the media. We produce material for use in schools, much of which can be downloaded free from our website.
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WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?
Opinion polls show that the majority of people, including young people, have quite traditional aims for themselves. They want to get married and stay married. It is still the case that most children are born to married parents, most marriages do not end in divorce, and most people live in households headed by a married couple. Policy makers should address and support the needs of the married family, which is the basic and fundamental unit of society. We therefore seek the support of all who want the best for families and for young people. Just by joining, you will strengthen our voice in defense of the traditional family, because the more people we represent, the more effective our voice will be. Some members wish to become actively involved in campaigns at a national or local level, and we always try to support them with advice and information. However, membership implies no direct obligations. Members pay a subscription and receive a quarterly bulletin. They are entitled to attend the annual general meeting. However much or little, you can do for the family, we need your support!
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CAN I BECOME A MEMBER?
Yes, we would be delighted to welcome you as a member. You can download a form which you can send in with your donation (minimum £10).
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WHO ARE YOUR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS?
Trustees: Arthur Cornell MEd, F.Coll.P (Chairman); Betty, Lady Grantchester; Dr John Guly MB BS DMJ; Eric Hester BA (Vice Chairman); Simon J Ling MA FCA (Hon Treasurer); Denis Riches BSc (Secretary); Valerie Riches (Founder President); Dr Trevor Stammers BSc FRCGP DRCOG, DPAB; Robert Whelan MA
Sponsors: Professor John Bonnar MA MD FRCOG; The Viscountess Brentford OBE; Peter Dawson OBE BSc FRSA; The Baroness Elles; The Duke of Montrose; The Baroness O'Cathain OBE; Professor Dennis O'Keeffe