Rainbow Groups

Processing grief with peers of a similar age is vital as is grieving together as a family, that is why we provide Rainbow Groups. We offer several types of groups for all ages, all of which are attended by our Family Liaison officer and several volunteers. As we support up to 25 years of age, there are different groups that allow children, young people and their families to meet up with other bereaved individuals on a regular basis. Each group has a selection of books available at them as well as signposting to other services that they may benefit from.

Details of each group are below, if you have any questions about this, please contact our Family Liaison Officers, info@harrysrainbow.co.uk (01908) 061676

Structured groups

Organised by age (0-11 and 11-18)
Held each month 90 minutes. Attend for 12 months. Drinks and food are provided

Rainbow Groups (under 11 years)

Children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Children are expected to take part in the craft activity to create a set of Rainbow Tools designed to manage their emotions. Parents and carers are encouraged to help their child(ren) make the Rainbow Tools so they can talk about its purpose.

Youth Groups (ages 11-16 and 16-18)

Children of secondary school age meet and engage in activities that support mental health and wellbeing.

Harry’s Rainbow Community Groups

Held each month. 1 1/2 hours. Drinks and snacks are provided

Brighter Tomorrow Community Group (All Ages)

This group offers a safe space for adults and children to meet peers for a chat and cup of tea, speak to volunteers and access Harry’s Rainbow resources.
The Brighter Tomorrow Community Group is designed for families who have already attended structured groups for 12 months (or have chosen to attend structured groups later in
their bereavement).

> Activities, board games and/or crafts will be available.
> Families can attend for as long as they are registered with Harry’s Rainbow

Youth Community Group (ages 11-18)

This group gives children of secondary school age the chance to socialise and relax together, continue friendships, building support networks and chat to volunteers.

Young Adult Community Group (ages 18-25)

This group allows young adults to meet peers, connect and socialise

What difference do Rainbow Groups make?

1) Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and promote health and wellbeing.

Each group offers a chance for families, children and young people to connect to others who are in a similar situation. Bereaved families tell us isolation and loneliness are some of the main feelings their children experience. Group attendees realise they are not the only ones to experience the death of a significant person in their lives.

‘The structured monthly Rainbow groups are a wonderful way for the children to play and build friendships. There is always a fun and thoughtful activity to complete and these special items help ‘my child’ on her sad days.’ (Parent of a bereaved child)

‘I really can’t express how grateful I am for the support that Harry’s Rainbow have provided for us – and continue to provide. The groups, and the summer and Christmas events have created a lot of happy memories during a very difficult time.’ (Parent of a bereaved child)

2) To help children, young people and their parents and carers to understand their emotions and learn tools, techniques to manage them in a positive way.

Each group offers the chance to either create tools, share tips, swap ideas and learn the best way to cope with emotions. Children learn, and so do the adults. Books are available for parents to review before taking them home for their children to read, encouraging difficult conversations and building stronger bonds outside of the groups. They can also speak to our trained volunteers or our Family Liaison Officers about extra support and advice.

3) Better awareness and understanding of bereavement and grief.

All who come to the groups gain a deeper understanding of not only their own grief, but how others grieve and the similarities and differences they encounter. Again, this helps them feel less alone and provides them a safe space to talk and receive and accept support. We also work to raise awareness more general to create a fearless society where open conversations can be had about death and dying.

RAINBOW GROUPS