CLYDEBANK children recovering from domestic abuse will receive a further three years of help thanks to a funding windfall of more than £380,000.

The CEDAR (children experiencing domestic abuse recovery) programme, which develops new therapeutic activities and provide a range of services for all primary care givers who are supporting the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse, operated by West Dunbartonshire Council has been awarded £388,253.

The vital programme has been delivered in West Dunbartonshire since 2012 and is in its final project year of funding.

The grant, from Investing in Communities 2: Life Transitions by The Big Lottery Scotland, will build upon the current model and the project will also develop provision offering a service to all primary care-givers who are caring for and supporting the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

Local MSP Gil Paterson He said: “I’m very glad the funding has come through for continuing the CEDAR programme in Clydebank and the whole of West Dunbartonshire.

“It’s so important we help children who have through no fault of their own been subjected to domestic abuse in our communities.

“The CEDAR project helps my constituents through these dark moments, and I consider it an absolutely vital service.

“I congratulate West Dunbartonshire Council for its success in applying for the funding and give the support workers all my best wishes for the future.”

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman, added: “This funding will provide continued support for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse to help them to rebuild their lives.”

Renfrewshire Council received £788,987 for a five year long project which provides a range of group based support services to approximately 730 women and children affected by gender based violence.

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire also received £410,699 for their three year project, which will continue the successful CEDAR programme running in South Lanarkshire and will help establish a new CEDAR programme in East Renfrewshire.