Tuesday 1 December 2009

Some frequently asked questions about Rainbows


What is Rainbows?

Rainbows is a non-profit international organisation that offers training programmes and curricula for establishing grief peer support groups for children and adults.

When did Rainbows begin?

Rainbows was founded in 1983 in Chicago by Suzy Yehl Marta after she realised there was a lack of services to help her children cope with the effects of her marital separation. Today Rainbows is in over 16 countries. Rainbows started in Ireland in 1988. Over two and a half million people have participated in Rainbows programmes since it began.

What programmes does Rainbows offer?

A variety of programmes are offered.

  1. Rainbows for children 5-12
  2. Spectrum for young adults 13-18
  3. Kaleidosocope for adults over 18
  4. Prism - material for parents who are grieving
What is involved in a Rainbows programme?
  • It's not therapy or counselling
  • Doesn't involve treatment of mental illness or behavioural problems
  • Doesn't involve 1-1 intensive work

Rather:

  • It is a peer-support group
  • Groups are small with 5 or 8 participants maximum depending on the level
  • It deals with the normal feelings of grief after a traumatic loss or separation
  • A curriculum is used

What is the goal of a Rainbows programme?

The Rainbows motto is "from hurt, through healing, to hope."

The programme tries to do this by:
  • supporting people to rebuild their self-esteem
  • enabling the participants to name, understand and deal with the feelings they experience
  • encouraging the participants to take the step of forgiving those who have caused them pain
  • giving participants the space to share and listen to similar experiences of others in the group

How long does the programme run for?

Meetings take place once a week for twelve weeks. Each meeting lasts for approximately 50 or 60 minutes depending on the level. At the end of the twelve weeks there is a special day called the 'Celebrate Me Day.'

What happens at each meeting?

There are four parts:

  1. Focus on a theme eg. anger, guilt
  2. Activities around the theme eg. playing games, writing a journal
  3. Discussion around the theme
  4. A short reflection to finish

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3 comments:

  1. Gráinne2 December 2009 at 00:12

    Hi Padraig
    I found this really really interesting and when reading through it realised that I had completely misunderstood the Rainbows programme (actually did think it offered one-to-one counselling!). Looking forward to your presentation on the basis of this!

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  2. Declan Delamere2 December 2009 at 11:00

    I think this is very valuable support for students whose parents have split up. Not enough attention is paid to this issue and the potential damaging effects on the children.

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  3. sscott9 December 2009 at 01:38

    Hi Padraig,
    I also had a look at the range of programmes that Rainbows offer and I see that the emphasis is on peer and small group supports. Materials are also available to groups to guide them through situations where they are experiencing grief and separation. A useful site in general. Susan

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