Rainbows is a bereavement or loss support programme delivered by trained facilitators to children who have experienced different kinds of loss. Our dedicated Rainbows coordinator liaises with staff to identify the children who may benefit from the programme. Letters are then sent to parents to consent to beginning the programme.

Rainbows programmes provide an emotionally safe environment for children and young people to guide them through grieving a significant and often devastating loss, resulting from the impact of a death, relationship breakdown or other serious change in their lives.

Rainbows Programmes provide a safe setting for children and young people to talk through their feelings with others who are experiencing similar situations. They are helped to articulate their feelings by a trained adult facilitator whom they know and trust. 

Confidentiality, which is at the heart of all Rainbows Programmes, is kept at all times unless a child or young person is at risk, in which case the school’s safeguarding procedures are followed.

Rainbows Programmes provide age relevant materials which form a structured 12 – 14 week programme to assist children and young people through their grief and loss. Rainbows supports self-esteem, trust, confidence and resilience, whilst promoting positive emotional/mental development and healthy relationships.

Parents and carers views:

“The Rainbows Programme made a huge difference to our family life. We found that our son was able to cope with his grief and loss.” (Parent)

“Going to Rainbows meant that they would realise there were other children in a similar situation, and they weren’t the only ones.” (Carer)

“I am grateful to the school and Rainbows programme for giving my child the opportunity to examine and grieve for her loss in a neutral and supportive environment.” (Parent)

“Rainbows has made my child grow in confidence, he has come out of his ‘shell’, rather than getting angry he now sits and talks his feelings through. The support he received was second to none. We could not have survived without Rainbows. Long may it continue.” (Parent)

(Research findings from ‘An evaluation of the direct impact of the Rainbows Programmes in supporting children and young people within South Yorkshire’ 2011)

Rainbows Schools 
‘100% of headteachers agreed that the Rainbows programme is a valuable resource for supporting vulnerable children in school.’

“Rainbows has proved a cost effective means of supporting vulnerable children and young people within our school. It has developed the professional skills of staff and has fostered positive relationships between home and school.” (Headteacher, Community High School)
‘79% of children agreed that they felt more confident and less worried about their problems after attending a Rainbows Programme.’

“Rainbows helped me to manage my feelings more and gave me an understanding of why I’m feeling this way.” (Bradley, Year 8)

THE IMPACT OF RAINBOWS PROGRAMMES

Emotional Development

75% of young people agreed that the Rainbows programme helped them to feel calmer in themselves.

“Rainbows helped with my anger and not to bottle up things and that it is okay to talk about things.” (Charlotte, Year 9)

Self-esteem

79% of young people agreed that they felt more confident and less worried about their problems.

“Rainbows helped me get my confidence back.” (Chelsea, Year 10)

Relationships

71% of young people felt that they got on better with their family as a result of Rainbows.

“Rainbows helped me let out my feelings instead of bottling them up and taking it out on my mum.” (Josh, Year 6)

100% of young people agreed that they trust the adults who run the groups.

“It’s a time I can say everything to someone I trust.” (Mollie. Year 9)

Inclusion

95% of children agreed that the Rainbows group gave them a safe place to talk about their feelings.

“I had issues in and out of school. Knowing people were there within school helped me to deal with my problems properly in my head.” (Rachel, Year 11)

77% of young people agreed that participation at Rainbows helped them to enjoy being at school.

“I have made friends now because of Rainbows.” (Shane, Year 6)

(Research findings from ‘An evaluation of the direct impact of the Rainbows Programmes in supporting children and young people within South Yorkshire’ 2011)

If you feel your child would benefit from the Rainbows support programme, please speak to Ms Patterson or one of the Senior or Pastoral team.