More than one in seven adults (15 per cent) in the South West of England says they “never” find dedicated time to spend with their partner and 19 per cent spend time together just once or a few times a year.

This is according to figures released by relationship support charity, Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire, ahead of Valentine’s Day.

The good news is that almost half (48 per cent) of people living in the South West manage to spend dedicated time with their partner, such as a date night, once a week or more. A reassuring 10 per cent find time for each other once a fortnight and seven per cent do so once a month.

According to the research, partners with children are considerably less likely to find time to spend together – 12 per cent said they never find time and 29 per cent said they find time once a year or a few times a year.  The younger the children, the less likely couples were to spend time together.

Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire, which provides relationship support to individuals, couples, families, children and young people says that spending quality time together is a key ingredient for a healthy relationship. 

They are concerned that time-strapped couples, particularly those with young children, are struggling to find opportunities to enjoy each other’s company and are offering tips for turning things around.

Relate counsellor, Dee Holmes said: “Relationships are good for our health and wellbeing so it’s important to make time for them, not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the year.

"This can seem difficult when you’re juggling commitments like work and childcare, but if you look after your relationship it’s likely to have a positive effect on other areas of your life.

“Spending time together doesn’t have to mean spending money.  A 'date' could happen in your own home and it could just as easily happen during the day. The key is to create space to concentrate on each other.”

Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire's tips on finding time for your relationship:

Remember that dates can be cheap or free. It could be a walk in the park, a bike ride or a trip to the museum.

Keep it fair. Write one list each of things you’d like to do together. Select any activities that appeal to you both, put them in a jar and pick them out randomly.

Step out of your comfort zone. If your partner suggests a date idea that’s not completely up your street, don’t dismiss it immediately. Trying something that’s a bit of a challenge will let you see each other in a new light and you may end up loving it.

Make it work for you. Some people like to try different things each time whereas others prefer a routine and have something they do together each week.

If you’re low on time, try a date hour. This could be a coffee during the day while your kids are at a swimming lesson, an hour eating a meal together with no phones, and no TV just the two of you. You have to eat so why not use that time to connect.

Think beyond Valentine’s Day. If you tend to do something together on Valentine’s Day and enjoy it then make it into a more regular thing. If there’s an element of surprise, even better!