Five projects helping survivors of domestic abuse have been given a funding lifeline to continue their vital work.

Groups in Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire are among the handful of groups given a share of £2.3m by the Big Lottery Fund.

The East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health were awarded more than £285,000 to continue to help children affected by domestic violence.

They plan to put the cash towards the CEDAR (children experiencing domestic abuse recovery) project, allowing it to continue for another three years.

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Youngsters and their mothers are given a safe place to recover from abuse and start to rebuild their lives.

Manager Dianne Devin said: “We are absolutely delighted at the news of three years further funding.

"We will now be able to continue to provide a family-led, peer-based and therapeutic journey of recovery for children and their mothers recovering from the effects of domestic abuse in East Dunbartonshire.

"Local families will receive a holistic, multi-levelled service which will improve the child, and their mother’s, mental health and offer access and engagement in education and employment opportunities alongside recovering from the trauma of domestic abuses.

"This will no doubt provide transformational, meaningful and long lasting change for children and their mothers in our area.

"We are all so thankful to the Big Lottery fund for their continued and incredible support."

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South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire Women's Aid group has received £410,699 to extend their CEDAR programme in East Renfrewshire, while Renfrewshire Council was given almost £800,000.

The local authority will use the funding over five years to provide support services for around 730 women and children.

Perthshire and West Dunbartonshire Council were also awarded a share of the funding pot.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chairwoman 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.

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"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."