Vision

 RAINBOWS offers training and curricula for establishing peer support groups in schools, parishes, pastoral centres or other social agencies. These curricula are available to children, youth and adults of all ages and religious denominations who are grieving a death, separation or any other painful transition in their family.
 
When a change takes place in the family, whether it is death, divorce, separation or abandonment, it has a profound effect on all members in a family. Grieving is a natural process which evolves from an emotional loss. If it isn’t facilitated at the appropriate time, it may be repressed or become chronic. If grief does not have an opportunity to be resolved, its impact can be destructive.
 
Grief is an expression of love and a normal human reaction to a significant loss. Sometimes people feel unable to express their grief verbally. It may surface in changed behaviour such as withdrawal or anger. Youth sometimes struggle to express their feelings in words. Parents are suffering as well, and may find it difficult to support them. It is helpful to have a caring adult to support and journey with them through their grief. They need and deserve someone they can talk to and trust; someone who will listen to their story with empathy, acceptance and understanding.
 
RAINBOWS was developed to provide children, youth and adults an opportunity for healing after their painful loss.
 
Since it is necessary for emotional healing to take place after a significant loss the purpose of the support groups is to provide those grieving an opportunity to share their feelings in an accepting environment, supported by trained, caring and compassionate adults.
 
The aim of RAINBOWS is to furnish the participants with an understanding of their new family unit; to assist in building a stronger sense of self-esteem, and to direct them towards a healthy resolution of the changes that have taken place in their personal lives