The project coordinator of a vital resource for children who have suffered domestic abuse says she's “overwhelmed” at news of a £388,000 Lottery lifeline.

Around 180 children will benefit from the help made possible by the grant, in an area with the fourth highest recorded incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland – 1,360 incidents were reported to local police during 2015-15.

The West Dunbartonshire CEDAR project, headed up by coordinator Carol Young, deals with every kind of abuse – physical, emotional and financial.

CEDAR stands for Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery.

“We are often dealing with children who love the people who have been abusing them,” said. Carol.

“We're also dealing with families where children have witnessed their mother being abused.”

She added: “This money, for a three year project, will help us in the effort to get it right for every child – and it will help us reach more children who need help.

Not all the children who need help live with their mums, with some staying with foster parents or kinship carers, and, says Carol, many have mixed emotions after what they've witnessed or experienced personally.

At a time of financial stringency the grant is reckoned pivotal to support action which can often dovetail with the ongoing efforts of Women's Aid, with the aim of giving children a fully healthy life and a sound grasp of how loving relationships should work.

Lottery funding has become central to the way the group is able to operate, helping to ensure no child who needs help is left alone and in despair.

Councillor Gail Casey, chairwoman of the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership Board, said: “I am delighted that the West Dunbartonshire CEDAR Project has been awarded this significant funding from the Big Lottery Fund, which will allow us to continue developing the service as part our Violence Against Women Strategy.

“By providing direct support to victims of domestic abuse and educating young people about how to develop positive relationships, the project is already making an impact in West Dunbartonshire. “Through strong joint working between the HSCP, the police, Education and the third sector a number of exciting new initiatives will now be developed across both child and adult services.”

The project is part of West Dunbartonshire Community Health and Care Partnership’s Violence Against Women Service, and is described as being about “creating 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.” and a key aim is to help mothers to support their children in their recovery.