Rainbows Bereavement and Loss Programme

 Godinton is a  Rainbows affiliated school and are pleased to announce this addition to our school’s pastoral programme.

When something significant happens in a family, the entire family is affected. Even though death, divorce or other forms of loss often appear to be only grown-up problems, they have a profound effect on the children who are touched by such experiences. If a loved one dies, a divorce happens, or some other painful loss occurs, not only do the parents grieve, the children do also. Children may find it extremely difficult to verbalise their feelings of grief because of their age and inexperience.

 Rainbows is a 12 week programme which gives small groups of children, the opportunity to discuss different topics each week around grief and loss and to complete activities in connection with these.  The last 2 weeks of the programme are informal ‘Celebrate Me’ sessions structured to enrich each child with a positive self-image, a belief in their families, and a feeling that each change in life can become an occasion for a new beginning.

 Through this support group, we hope to assist your child in expressing and understanding his or her feelings in an age appropriate way, to feel acceptance for what has happened, and to feel a sense of belonging and love. We will accomplish this through peer support groups with adult facilitators to guide them as they begin to share their experiences.

 Mrs McGibney, Mrs Ades and Miss King are sensitive, caring and trained adults who have said “yes” to helping these children 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.

 If your child has been affected by bereavement or loss, please get in touch with our pastoral team who are here to help.

Alongside Rainbows groups, we can also share resources, including picture books and support materials for parents to help support children at home.