CEA Quarterly Update: Q2 2026
Stronger Together: Community, Courage and Change in Action
This quarter has shown the true power of community.
Across our Stage 1, Children & Young People’s, and Psychological Therapies services, we have seen what happens when compassion meets action — families supported, young voices amplified, and individuals empowered on their journey to recovery.
At a time when domestic abuse continues to rise, this work has never been more important.
The Reality Behind the Work
A 59% increase in domestic abuse cases between March 2025 and March 2026 highlights the growing need for accessible, specialist support.
Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story — and it is this reality that continues to drive our work forward every day.
Moments That Mattered This Quarter
From community generosity to youth-led change, this quarter has been shaped by meaningful action, connection and impact.
Easter Egg Appeal – Small Gestures, Lasting Impact
In the lead-up to the school holidays, our Easter Egg Appeal brought an incredible wave of kindness from the local community.
With generous donations from Police Scotland Forth Valley, alongside Morrisons in Falkirk and Tesco in Camelon, we were able to provide Easter eggs to children and families supported by our service.
For many, this was more than a gift — it was a moment of joy, inclusion and normality.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed. Your support has made a genuine difference.
International Women’s Day – A Commitment That Continues
On the 5th of March 2026, we came together as a team to mark International Women’s Day.
Through a shared lunch and open reflection, we recognised the strength of the women we support and the role we play in advocating for safety, dignity and empowerment.
Each team member made a personal pledge — a commitment to continue this work with purpose. These pledges will be revisited next year, ensuring our values remain active and embedded in practice.
Children & Young People – Voices, Growth and Opportunity
Our Children & Young People’s Team has continued to deliver impactful, child-centred work, balancing direct support with learning, leadership and community engagement.
A key focus this quarter has been strengthening communication and engagement. Through Talking Mats training, the team has enhanced how children and young people express their views in accessible and meaningful ways. Staff have also completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), increasing confidence in supporting young people experiencing distress.
Safe & Together training has further strengthened understanding of perpetrator patterns and the impact on children, ensuring that all work remains grounded in safety and child-centred practice.
Leadership development has also been prioritised through participation in the SafeLives Managers Course, supporting reflective leadership, workforce wellbeing and sustainability.
Young Voices Leading Change
Partnership working continues to play a vital role in prevention and awareness.
Through engagement with schools and initiatives such as the Young Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), we are supporting young people to better understand healthy relationships and raise awareness of domestic abuse.
A standout moment this quarter came through the Mark Scott Leadership Community Project. Local high school pupils selected CEA as their chosen charity, working together to raise awareness within their schools and creating self-care boxes for our clients.
Their compassion and initiative were inspiring, a powerful reminder of the role young people play in shaping safer communities.
Psychological Therapies – Supporting Recovery and Resilience
Our Stage 2 Psychological Therapies service continues to deliver strong, evidence-based support, with clear outcomes for those accessing the service.
Client feedback this quarter has been overwhelmingly positive. 100% of clients reported satisfaction, alongside noticeable improvements in their overall wellbeing. Many described enhanced mood, reduced anxiety, and an increased ability to cope with day-to-day life.
Encouragingly, 9 out of 10 clients experienced significant reductions in anxiety and low mood, reflecting the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches and the safe, supportive environment provided.
Building Skills Across the Organisation
The impact of the Psychological Therapies Team extends beyond direct client work.
Through consultancy and training, colleagues across the organisation have been supported to better understand and respond to anxiety, including the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. This shared learning strengthens the consistency and quality of support offered across all services.
Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Practice
A continued focus has been placed on ensuring services are inclusive, respectful and responsive.
The team has delivered consultation on working with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity, supporting staff to use appropriate, sensitive language and to better understand diverse experiences.
Ongoing professional development remains central, ensuring that support evolves alongside the needs of the individuals we work with.
Supporting Mental Health in the Context of Domestic Abuse
We recognise the significant impact domestic abuse can have on mental health, often leading to anxiety, depression and trauma-related difficulties.
Our Psychological Therapies service provides a safe and supportive space where individuals can process their experiences, rebuild confidence and develop coping strategies.
Through trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, we support individuals to move forward with increased resilience, safety and self-belief.
Working Together: Strengthening Community Connections
Across all services, maintaining strong partnerships and a visible community presence remains essential.
From attending the Falkirk Schools’ Making Anxiety Manageable event to ongoing collaboration with local agencies, these connections ensure that support is accessible, joined-up and responsive.
Understanding Rights and Raising Awareness
There is increasing awareness of domestic abuse and the support available.
This includes protective measures such as the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme Scotland, alongside growing national conversations around coercive control and long-term impact.
This wider awareness encourages individuals to seek support and strengthens the collective response to domestic abuse.
Looking Ahead
This quarter reflects more than activity, it reflects impact, progress and shared commitment.
Through community kindness, strengthened partnerships and continued learning, we are delivering a service that responds to need with compassion, professionalism and purpose.
As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that every adult, child and young person we support feels heard, safe and empowered.
Be Part of the Change
Whether you are a partner agency, supporter or member of the community, your involvement matters.
Together, we can continue to raise awareness, strengthen support and build safer futures for everyone.
If you are interested in any of the above, or if you would like to help or to find out more please get in touch with your CEA team by phone on 01324 635 661 or via our Contact Form