the scottish parliament members’ debate on ‘the cedar network’

On Tuesday January 14th, members of the Scottish Parliament commended the work of the Cedar Network in supporting women, children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse. The motion had been tabled by James Dornan who wished to highlight the successful multi-agency work carried out by Cedar Glasgow.

Thanks to those of you who encouraged your local MSPs to attend: it was great to see such support for a project that you all work so hard on.

For those who couldn’t make it along on the day, here’s a link to the video of the debate (it’s about 30minutes long):
ttp://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-25731986

If you don’t have 30 minutes to spare right now, here are a few lovely, encouraging quotes from the debate for your reading pleasure:

‘I believe that the Cedar model offers a great opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives[…]also to tackle the thorny issue of how we will continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society.’ – Sandra White MSP for Glasgow Kelvin

‘If we empower mothers to support their children, and, indeed, children to find a way through this themselves, children and young people will have a much better outlook on life because of this and I commend the work of those organisations who assist in that.’ – Rhoda Grant MSP for the Highlands and Islands

‘The work of the Cedar Network is a very important one in tackling the effects of domestic abuse on children.’ – Stewart Stevenson MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast

‘Concentration on outcomes for offenders tends to overshadow efforts to provide help for those most directly, and indirectly, affected by domestic abuse. The Cedar network, in carrying out essential work to support these victims, in an informal and safe setting, addresses this imbalance.’ – Margaret Mitchell MSP for Central Scotland

‘The work of the Cedar project is invaluable in terms of developing best practice, and support and care to those in need…The approach they have taken has been highly effective, delivering impressive outcomes and engaging with children and mothers in a way which puts them in control, helping them gain a greater understanding of the domestic abuse they’ve suffered.’ – Kenneth Gibson MSP for Cunninghame North

‘Even when concerted efforts are made to shield children from witnessing or being aware of abuse, it must be incredibly difficult to protect them from the emotional consequences of abuse taking place within their home, and being perpetrated and experienced by the most significant adults in their lives…[I] would like to join my fellow members in congratulating the Cedar Project for its wonderful work, which I believe is playing a very valuable part in helping us towards this goal [of equality and of tackling violence against women].’ – Shona Robinson MSP for Dundee City East

Thanks to Cedar Glasgow for making this happen and good work everyone!