Rainbows Ireland’s Service delivers a robust, community-based approach to early intervention support for children and young people navigating the challenges of death, parental separation, divorce, or relationship breakdown.
At the heart of Rainbows is a steadfast commitment to understanding the profound impacts of loss, grief, and family change on young lives. We take our role in supporting these individuals seriously, recognising the importance of our work.
Coping with loss and significant change is one of life’s greatest challenges, and grief is an inherent response to such experiences. The Rainbows Ireland Framework of support firmly establishes that:
- Grief, loss, and change are normal and natural components of life.
- The death of someone important can profoundly alter a child’s or young person’s life.
- Every child and young person experiencing a significant death is grieving, regardless of their age or developmental stage.
- Parental separation, divorce, and relationship breakdown can lead to a diverse range of outcomes for children and young people.
- Grief, loss, and significant change are personal journeys, distinct for each child and young person.
- Children and young people are active and resilient participants in their own lives.
- The dignity of each child’s and young person’s grief and emotional responses must be respected and supported.
- Each child and young person will uniquely express their grief in their own time and manner.
- Grief, loss, and significant change must be openly acknowledged and supported—not denied, buried, or ignored.
The emotional health and well-being of children and young people impacted by these significant life changes is crucial for their future mental health, well-being, and overall development. It is imperative that we address these needs with urgency and care.
To access further information on Rainbows Ireland Early Intervention Supports please join: