Scottish Borders Public Protection Services is currently accepting referrals for two programmes aimed at supporting children, young people and families impacted by domestic abuse.
CEDAR (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery)
CEDAR is a therapeutic psycho-educational programme that takes place over 12 weeks with groups for children and young people (aged 5-16) and their mothers running in parallel. These groups provide an opportunity to explore the experiences, understanding and feelings associated with domestic abuse, with an emphasis on providing fun and creative activities that keep children engaged and interacting with each other.
The overall aim is to create a safe place for children and their mothers to help each other to find the best strategies to deal with their experiences and rebuild their lives. This includes helping mothers to support their children in their recovery.
EYDAR (Early Years Domestic Abuse Recovery)
The EYDAR programme is aimed at mothers with babies and young children up to the age of four. The aim is to support mothers to have a greater understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on a family, ideally leading to improved relationships and a greater sense of self-worth and wellbeing. It is delivered across eight weeks for two hours each time.
EYDAR also enables partner agencies to have a better understanding of the complexity of domestic abuse and its impact on children, leading to improved multi-agency responses to domestic abuse.
Programmes start in September 2021
Both programmes are due to start in September 2021. People can refer themselves directly but referrals are also received from schools, health workers, social workers or support agencies such as Children 1st or the Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service.
Councillor George Turnbull, Executive Member for Public Protection
“CEDAR continues to be a vitally important way of providing young people and families who have experienced domestic abuse with the support they need to try and make sense of what has happened to them and find a way to move forward with their lives.
“EYDAR is a new initiative that provides critical support for mothers of young children as sadly it is the case that domestic abuse also affects babies and small children in lots of ways.
“I would encourage anyone who feels they could benefit, or knows someone for whom CEDAR or EYDAR would be helpful, to get in touch and find out more.
“If you are someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, or have done so in the past, please be aware that you are not alone. There are people you can talk to. The National Domestic Helpline: 0800 027 1234 is available 24-hours a day, while the Council’s website has a great deal of information on our website. In an emergency you shouldn’t hesitate to call 999. If you reach out, you can be sure there will be someone there to listen with the advice, information and help you need.”
More information
For more information about CEDAR or EYDAR and to get a copy of the referral form and guidance notes, contact the CEDAR Co-ordinator at: cedar@scotborders.gov.uk or on 01835 824000 Ext. 6876.