West Limerick Resources - "Committed to the Community"

Rainbows Support Programme

Rainbows is a free support group for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years that is designed to assist children and youths who are grieving a death, separation or any other painful transition or change in their family.

The first branch of Rainbows was established in Ireland in 1988 to provide children, youth and adults an opportunity for support after a painful loss.  Run by trained volunteers, the programme is positive, gentle confidential and encouraging however it is not counseling or therapy service.  It is instead a safe, confidential setting where children can share their grief associated feelings with each other and with these trained facilitators.

Since its establishment Rainbows has been developed in over six hundred locations throughout Ireland. These locations are predominantly in school settings while some are located in parish and pastoral centres and other social agencies.  Each year around 1,800 to 2000 facilitators work with groups and 12,000 to 15,000 children and young people who attend the service.

The new application forms for the autumn 2011 programme are now available from Dearbhla or Nora in the WLR Abbeyfeale office on 068 32444.

Posted on 06/07/2011 by Suzanne Rowley, Information Officer