Last week the sun was shining and it was lovely to see the children were outside, and as we start to welcome more children, it reminded me why Rainbows is so important to those children and young people that access our services.

“The character of the Nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses.” Carolyn Jones

I thought I would start my blog with a quote that really stood out to me. From a very young age I wanted to be an Air Hostess or a Nurse, it’s a good job I choose the latter as back in the old days you had to be a certain height to be an air hostess (I’m only 5’2). 

I trained as a Learning Disability Nurse 25 years ago. Anyone who knows me will vouch for my compulsion to talk A LOT. I pride myself on my communication skills so was drawn to Learning Disability Nursing. 

For me, there is no such thing as an average day at Rainbows. No two days are ever the same.

That’s what I love about working here.

Today for example I have been to the crematorium to represent Rainbows and pay my respects to a young boy who I had looked after since he was a baby in hospital. I had actually referred him to Rainbows before I started here six years ago. I got to see him here in a different environment and watch him grow. It was such a privilege to have shared some of the family’s journey with them from the beginning, middle and sadly through to the end.

“At Rainbows, you are part of a big cog that is doing such an amazing thing,” said Katherine Raven, Rainbows Band 6 Nurse.

Katherine has been a nurse for 25 years and has been with our Rainbows team since November 2019. 

“In between college and nursing, I have had varied jobs including being Peter the Panda in the North East,” said Katherine. “But being at Rainbows is just the best.

Dying Matters Awareness Week, running from 10 - 16 May 2021, is a chance for coalition partners, organisations and individuals to come together and open up the conversation around death, dying and bereavement.

In this article David Hamilton our Psychological & Bereavement Lead reflects on what he has learned from Bereaved families:

Following the Love

Talking about our feelings during bereavement can be extremely difficult, especially for children and young people who may not understand what they're feeling or how to express their feelings.

At Rainbows, we're here to help - and one way we do this is by offering support for bereaved siblings. This is available in the form of one-to-one support and group support.

One-to-one support:

Coronavirus - on any one day, at any moment I can feel confused PROUD, frightened, PROUD, responsible, PROUD, sad, PROUD, worried, PROUD, emotional, PROUD, overwhelmed, PROUD, committed, PROUD. 

We’re in uncertain times at the moment, with many of us working from home and home schooling. It can (and does) feel strange, but here at Rainbows we’re trying to keep things as normal and positive as possible. 

Our shops have closed and we may have temporarily stopped our respite and day care services – but we’re still providing our end of life care, family and bereavement support, as well as increasing our virtual and online support services.

One of the biggest barriers to volunteering is the lack of time, or potentially the perceived lack of time. Don’t worry we understand, nowadays everyone is busy. Especially if you’re studying, you may or may not have a paid job and we’re certainly not asking you to miss the social stuff – that’s half the fun of being a student! 

But, what if we told you volunteering could be the social stuff? 

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re taking part in this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign and we’re encouraging all our supporters to join us, because everyone has something to give.

Giving Tuesday originally began in America back in 2012, as a way to give back following the spending spree of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In 2014, the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) brought it to the UK, with the aim of encouraging people to think of others in the run up to Christmas; and for the third consecutive year we’re proud to be supporting the campaign.