Family unit remains strong as relatives get money savvy

The family unit is as tight as ever despite the financial hardship many have suffered under the recession.

When it comes to choosing who to spend precious free leisure time with, 51 per cent of people in the UK chose their extended family.

Though money is tight for many, relatives are still getting together regularly, with extended families becoming increasingly cash savvy looking for value for money days out.

The research from Merlin Entertainments Group Fun Days found larger families even clubbing together to take advantage of group discount offers.

Though a lucky 14 per cent say the recession hasn’t hit their lifestyle at all, a whopping 60 per cent now admit to being ‘really careful’ to look for real value for money.

Psychologist Cary Cooper finds the results encouraging, believing them to dispel the commonly held belief that the family unit doesn’t play the central role it once did.

Cary says:  “In difficult economic times, it is great to see that the family still plays an important role in meeting people’s social needs, and that people want to spend more time with their family members. This is extremely important, because when times get rough, your investment in your family, through shared experiences and activities
together, mean you have an important social support system available to provide psychological support, counsel and help.  With tough times still ahead, people will need the support of the family, relatives and close friends, so spending time with them now will pay off in the future.”