Published on:
26
January 2009
Helping children recover from the effects of domestic abuse is taking a step forward with the launch of the Forth Valley 'Cedar' Project on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at Stirling Management Centre.
The Cedar (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery) Project is a 3-year pilot programme, funded by the Scottish Government, for children and mothers who have experience of domestic abuse.
Forth Valley is one of just 3 areas in Scotland where the Cedar project is being piloted; the other two areas are Edinburgh City and Fife.
The Forth Valley Cedar Project helps children and mothers from all three Council areas of Clackmannashire, Falkirk and Stirling and is based on the world renowned Canadian Community Group Work Programme that originated in London, Ontario and has since been replicated in the London Borough of Sutton.
The project provides a 12- week programme of support for children and young people aged from 4 years to 16 years old to help them identify and express emotions surrounding domestic abuse. During the weekly one-hour sessions they are encouraged to understand the importance of their feelings and are given opportunities to deal with these in a safe and constructive way.
Domestic abuse can be abuse or bullying within families between partners and can be emotional, mental, physical or sexual. The effect on children can be devastating resulting in anxiety, fear, anger, sadness or disruption at school.
Groups are also being run for mothers to help them support their children in coming to come to terms with their experiences. Mothers are encouraged to attend the Women's programme as an opportunity to look at and discuss the materials that their children will be using over the 12-week programme. Groups are held in the local community, also in a safe supportive environment.
Although Stirling Council is hosting the Project, Groups will be run at locations across the Forth Valley delivered by Cedar Project Co-ordinators and Facilitators.
Co-ordinators will act as the 'single point' for referrals and assessments for children and young people and mothers who want to take part in the programme. Co-facilitators, who come from a range of agencies, including Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan councils, Forth Valley N.H.S., Central Scotland Police and voluntary sector partners, will help support the delivery of the group work programme.
At the launch of the Forth Valley CEDAR Project on Wednesday January 28, from 4pm to 6pm at the Stirling Management Centre, University of Stirling there will be a welcome speech from Jim Carle from the Scottish Government, a drama performed by Jane Dickens of Gripping Yarns Theatre Company on 'The Child's Perspective' to domestic abuse, an overview of the Project by Group Co-ordinators Susan Walker and Joyce Whyte as well as a question and answer section to close the event. Booking is advisable and light refreshments will be available.
For further information on the Forth Valley CEDAR Project or to book a place at the launch please contact Linda Junnier at junnierl@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 443348.