Rainbow Trust supports children with a life threatening or terminal illness and their families. Our dedicated Family Support Workers provide emotional and practical support to the whole family: the seriously ill child, their brothers and sisters, their parents or carers and the extended family. Support to deal with fear, grief, pain and frustration is offered within the family's own home, at hospital, at school and in the wider community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Challenge

The pressures on a family with a terminally ill child are extreme. Siblings often feel left out and neglected as the attention of their parents, family and friends focuses on their seriously ill brother or sister. They often believe they have done something bad to cause this imbalance and feel frightened about what is happening around them and of what the future holds. They can become angry, withdrawn and resentful, school work can be severely disrupted and their mental health could be at risk.

Long-Term Impact

Rainbow Trust provides emotional and practical support to over 2,500 families each year - supporting not just the life-threatened or seriously ill child but also the healthy siblings, parents, carers and extended family members.

References

1. http://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/
2. https://rainbowtrust.org.uk/stories-thehosenbocusfamily

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