Bereavement Support Programme

When something significant happens in a family, the entire family is affected. If a parent dies, or parents separate, or a painful loss occurs, not only do the parents grieve, the children do also. Grief is an expression of love and a normal human reaction to a significant loss. Children can find it difficult to verbalise their feelings of grief because of their age and inexperience. It may surface in their behaviour, schoolwork and emotional well-being.

‘Rainbows’ programme

The 'Rainbows' programme is a service offered by the parish to young people and adults who have suffered a loss in their lives through death or separation. The programme consists of a support group that helps those taking part to put their feelings into words, work through their grief, build a stronger sense of self-esteem and begin to accept what has taken place in the family.

Rainbows is not a counselling group. It is a safe, confidential setting where children share their grief-associated feelings with each other and with trained facilitators.

Children are generally grouped with others experiencing a similar loss. If children are assigned to mixed groups because of necessity (for example, bereavement and separation), parents will be consulted in advance.

There are tragic losses that can cause extreme trauma. The Rainbows programme is not adequate in these circumstances. Professional help should be sought. If children are already attending professional counselling/family therapy, etc, the professional’s advice must be sought before application is made for attendance at Rainbows.

Parents interested in finding out more about the programme can contact the school principals in the parish's national schools. Anyone wishing to receive further information about the programme should contact Fr Brian Kavanagh CC at Mob: 087 616 2675.

Rainbows News
On Saturday, 17th October, over 400 Rainbows facilitators gathered in Trinity College to celebrate 21 years of Rainbows in Ireland. The founder of the programme, Suzy Yehl Marta from Chicago, was present and spoke about the importance of accompanying children in their grief journey. Her key message was that "children can be healed from loss – it doesn't need to hurt for ever". This message is also true for adults.

The ‘Rainbows’ programme for children and ‘Prism’ for adults will begin in the first week of November. If you or your children would like to be part of the programme, please phone the Parish Office, or Fr. Brian at Mob: 087 616 2675 – as soon as possible.

‘Spectrum’ and 'Prism' programmes

There is a support programme for teenagers of secondary-school age similar to 'Rainbows' called 'Spectrum' – and one also available for adults called 'Prism'. If you are interested in participating in the adult programme, or know of any child or teenager who would benefit from either 'Rainbows' or 'Spectrum', you are welcome to phone Fr. Brian at Mob: 087 616 2675.

Safeguarding Children – Policy & Procedures

The Allen Parish 'Rainbows' programme strictly adheres to the diocesesan policy for the safeguarding of children. Anyone working with children will be vetted by an Garda Síochána. To view the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin's 'Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures', click here...

Please contact Fr Brian Kavanagh if you are interested in participating in Rainbows training at Mob: 087 616 2675.