Rainbows Ireland provides free, confidential peer-support groups for children and young people (age 7–17) who have experienced bereavement or parental separation/divorce.
Our groups offer a safe, supportive space where children can connect with others their age who have lived through similar experiences. On the International Pyramid of Bereavement Care, Rainbows peer group support is a Level 2 listening support service.
What Are Rainbows Peer Support Groups?
Rainbows groups are gentle, structured peer-support programmes delivered over nine consecutive weeks by trained Rainbows Facilitators.
What children/young people experience in a group
- A safe space with other children of a similar age and experience
- Opportunities to listen to others and share when they feel ready
- A sense of “I’m not the only one” and “We are not the only family”
- Support to understand and express feelings such as sadness, anger, confusion, or guilt
- Activities that strengthen coping skills and emotional wellbeing
- Reduced feelings of isolation and increased self-confidence
- A sense of belonging and understanding
Groups are not counselling or therapy—they are Level 2 early intervention listening support, focused on emotional expression, connection and coping.
Group Structure
- Children must be 7 years or older
- No group includes a child more than two years older than the youngest member
- Groups for bereavement and parental separation are never mixed
- Multiple programme levels exist for different ages and developmental stages
- Each child receives a confidential journal, shredded after the programme (unless teens choose to keep theirs)
Bereavement Groups
Bereavement groups support children and young people after the death of someone special in their lives.
Children are supported to:
- Talk about the person who died—using their name, sharing memories
- Explore emotions connected to grief
- Learn coping strategies
- Feel connection with others who have also experienced loss
Parental Separation Groups
These groups support children adjusting to family change due to separation, divorce or relationship breakdown.
Children explore:
- Their family as it is now—those they live with and those they don’t
- Time with Mam / Time with Dad (no discussion of access/custody terms)
- What has changed and what remains the same
- Their feelings and questions
- Ways to cope with transitions
How to Enrol Your Child
1. Self-Referral
Parents/guardians can contact a local Rainbows Registered Centre directly. See the Rainbows Centres page on our website.
2. School-Based Enrolment
Schools offering Rainbows will notify parents when a group is forming. You may be invited to complete an Expression of Interest form.
3. Coordinator Follow-Up
A Rainbows Coordinator will:
- Contact both parents/guardians (where possible)
- Explain how the programme works
- Provide the Enrolment Form
- Confirm group dates, times and location
Consent Requirement
Rainbows Ireland follows the HSE National Consent Policy, seeking consent from both parents/legal guardians where it is in the best interests of the child. Some Rainbows Centres will seek the consent of one parent/legal guardian and inform the other; while others will require consent from both parents/guardians for a child to attend.
Rainbows cannot enter into parental disputes related to consent or enrolment information.
For questions, email ask@rainbowsireland.ie
Child Safeguarding
Rainbows Ireland is fully committed to child safety and follows Children First: National Guidelines for Child Protection and Welfare (2017).
Important Safeguarding Message
If a child discloses:
- That they are being harmed
- That they may harm themselves
- That they may harm someone else
Facilitators must follow Child Protection procedures.
Parents will be informed unless doing so places the child at further risk.
Rainbows facilitators do not take notes, analyse, diagnose or write reports—except in safeguarding situations.
You may contact the Rainbows Ireland CEO, our Designated Person for Child Protection, with any safeguarding queries. Every Rainbows Centre follows their own Child Safeguarding Policy and will have a Designated Liaison Person in place in their school/organisation.
Testimonials
What Parents Say
Parents participating in bereavement and parental separation workshops shared:
- “It’s great for children to see they are not alone.”
- “Incredibly valuable and supportive.”
- “I felt very alone… now I know I’m not.”
- “Reassuring, practical and fact-based.”
- “Gave me hope for the future.”
What Children Say
Following their 9-week group, children shared:
- “My emotions are like tides — they come and go.”
- “It’s good to know I’m not the only one.”
- “I made new friends and learned coping skills.”
- “Talking helped me.”
- “I liked talking about my dad… and drawing in my book.”
- “Knowing others’ parents are separated helped me.”
Feedback from Schools
Teachers report:
- “The children engaged well and looked forward to it.”
- “We feel so lucky to have had this support — the children benefited enormously.”
Rainbows Ireland – Parent/Guardian Disclaimer
Children in Rainbows Groups may have different experiences of loss, bereavement, or family change. Your child may hear other children talk about situations that are different from their own.
Our trained Facilitators guide all conversations in an age appropriate and supportive way. Their role is to help every child feel safe, listened to, and respected.‑appropriate and supportive way. Their role is to help every child feel safe, listened to, and respected.
Rainbows is a peer support programme, not a counselling service.