About Cedar

Cedar (children experiencing domestic abuse recovery) is a group work model inspired and adapted from an innovative model of group work for children who have experienced domestic abuse originating in London, Ontario. The model is based on core principles that recognise that domestic abuse is damaging to children as well as to the mother/child relationship and the belief that mothers are best placed to support their own children in their recovery.

The groups provide an opportunity to explore feelings with an emphasis on providing fun and creative activities that keep children engaged and interacting with each other. It is 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. The main aim of the programme is to help mothers to support their children in their recovery.

“Most of us felt it was better being in a group rather than being seen individually by a
grown up.”