Perthshire Women’s Aid is set to benefit from a huge £518,881 grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
The money will be used to fund the Cedar Project which helps families deal with and respond to domestic abuse and other issues.
The Cedar project provides a therapeutic 12 week group programme for children and young people in recovery from domestic abuse, alongside a group work programme for their mothers.
Over the last three years the programme has been developed to include different resources and has added one to one support for families using Cedar. This project will also deliver family/person centred work and prevention strategies to ensure that the local community have an understanding of domestic abuse and why healthy relationships make communities safer.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Perthshire Women’s Aid is a hugely important charity doing some great work in the local area and they more than deserve this funding which will help build on the great work the Ceder Project has already accomplished.
“Domestic violence is a scourge on Scottish society and by providing services to help victims the Cedar Project is giving families and communities the tools to move past these traumatic incidents.
“Increasing our knowledge of what constitutes domestic abuse is one of the most important tools in preventing it and I welcome the work Cedar is doing to educate young people and communities throughout Perthshire.”
Joan Maclean, Manager, said;
“We are absolutely delighted to receive continuation of our funding from the Big Lottery Fund for another five years for our highly regarded CEDAR project. This is because of the real and exceptionally positive difference it makes to families lives following the aftermath of domestic abuse.
“We will be able to continue to support families to re-connect and build healthier relationships, allowing them to move on from the impact of abuse. This long term funding will also allow us to share our knowledge of domestic abuse throughout schools and with professionals.”
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said;
“This funding will provide continued support for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse to help them to rebuild their lives. We know women who have been abused at home can experience further emotional and physical problems. If effective support and help can be provided at an early stage, then they, and their children, have a better chance of a positive long term future. Each of these five projects are making a real difference to people’s lives at time when they need it the most.”