Rainbows Support Programme
Overview:
Rainbows is a national service designed to provide group support for children navigating significant changes due to bereavement, parental separation, or divorce. Scoil Áine Naofa is proud to be a registered Rainbows programme centre.
Programme Details:
- Duration: The Rainbows programme spans nine weeks.
- Group Structure: Separate groups are formed for bereavement and for separation/divorce. Each group consists of a minimum of four to a maximum of eight children, supported by two trained volunteer facilitators.
- Schedule:
- Expression of Interest Forms: Distributed in early October each year.
- Start Date: The programme begins after Christmas.
- Timing: Sessions are held after school hours and are completely free of charge.
- Session Length: Each session lasts one hour.
Benefits of Rainbows:
Rainbows provides children with a safe space to explore and discuss their shared experiences of loss. Participants often express feelings of relief and connection, saying things like:
- “I’m not the only one.”
- “We are not the only family.”
- “I can talk about Grandad now.”
Parents have noted positive changes in their children, including increased ease, reduced anxiety, and improved communication following the programme.
Contact Information:
For more information, visit Rainbows Ireland or contact the Rainbows coordinators at Scoil Áine Naofa:
We encourage families to consider this valuable support service for children facing challenging times.
