PARENTING classes have received the backing by the government.

Families minister Edward Timpson claimed 2.5 million people across the country from 2013-15 will benefit from expert organisations from the voluntary and community sector sharing the £15 million project.

Support would include advice for new parents, developing good communication and partnership skills for marriage, to specialist counselling on relationships.

Mr Timpson said: “Strong and stable societies are built on the foundations of good parenting and solid partnerships.

“It’s not easy, especially when people are living with difficult circumstances but the economic, social and emotional cost of family breakdown makes a very clear case for investment.”