FAQs
Here you can find all of our frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
About Rainbows
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What does a children’s hospice do?
A children’s hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions. At Rainbows, this includes expert nursing and medical care, symptom management, therapies, play and emotional support, alongside support for the whole family.
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Who does Rainbows support?
Rainbows supports babies, children and young people aged 0–18 with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions, as well as their families. Every child and family is different, so the care and support we provide is shaped around their individual needs.
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What areas does Rainbows cover?
Rainbows supports babies, children, young people and families across the East Midlands, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Our hospice is based in Loughborough, but much of our care takes place beyond the hospice itself, in regional hospitals and in families’ homes.
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How is Rainbows funded?
Rainbows relies heavily on the generosity of our supporters to provide specialist care for babies, children, young people and families across the East Midlands. Only 15% of our costs come from statutory funding, so we need to fundraise £9 million every year to provide our care. Donations, fundraising, gifts in wills, our shops and other forms of support all help make that possible.
Getting care and support
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Who can be referred to Rainbows?
Rainbows supports babies, children and young people aged 0–18 with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions who meet our referral criteria. Every referral is considered individually by our clinical team.
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Can a family refer their child to Rainbows?
Only a healthcare professional can make a referral to Rainbows. Families who think Rainbows may be able to support their child can contact us to talk about their circumstances and the referral process.
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What support is available for the whole family?
A child’s condition can affect everyone around them. Alongside caring for babies, children and young people, Rainbows provides emotional, practical and bereavement support for families, including parents, brothers and sisters. Families can also access activities, groups and opportunities to spend time together.
Where we provide care
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What facilities are available at the hospice?
Our hospice in Loughborough is designed around the needs of babies, children, young people and families. Alongside specialist nursing and medical care, facilities include bedrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and play spaces, areas for young people, family spaces and accessible gardens.
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How does Rainbows support children in hospital?
Our Clinical Nurse Specialists work alongside NHS teams across the East Midlands, bringing specialist children’s palliative care expertise into hospitals. They help assess and manage a child’s needs, support families and work with the healthcare professionals already involved in their care.
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Does Rainbows provide care at home?
Yes. Our Hospice at Home team provides specialist care in families’ own homes, helping babies, children and young people receive care in familiar surroundings. Depending on a child’s individual needs, this can include nursing care, symptom management and end-of-life care, alongside support for their family.
Supporting Rainbows
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How can I support Rainbows?
There are lots of ways to support Rainbows, from making a donation or fundraising to volunteering, shopping with us or getting your workplace involved. However someone chooses to help, their support helps us provide specialist care to babies, children, young people and families.
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How can I make a donation?
Donations can be made through our website, as a one-off gift or by setting up a regular donation. There are also other ways to give, including gifts in Wills and fundraising for Rainbows.
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Where are Rainbows charity shops?
Rainbows has charity shops across the East Midlands selling donated clothing, accessories, homeware and more. Our website has details of all our shops, including locations, opening hours and information about donating items.
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How can I volunteer?
Volunteers support Rainbows in many different ways, including in our shops, at fundraising events and at the hospice. Current volunteering opportunities and information about how to apply can be found on our volunteering pages.
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Can my company or workplace support Rainbows?
Yes. Businesses can support Rainbows through charity partnerships, fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering and other opportunities. Our Corporate Partnerships team can work with businesses to find an approach that works for them.