RAINBOW TRUSTRainbow Trust offers family-centred care for children with a
life-threatening illness, from the time of diagnosis, in times of crisis. Origins Since 1981 the founder, Bernadette Cleary, has worked with families where
there is a terminally ill child. Her experience working in this field made her
aware that families needed "a place to get away from it all, a listening
ear, and an extra pair of hands". From this understanding, Rainbow Trust
was born. Making contact The trust is approached by any member of the family or the medical
profession, social worker, teacher or friend. A Rainbow Trust carer then visits
the family to assess whether they are able to help. Assuming so, arrangements
are made to support the family in its particular situation. The administration
of the trust is split into two regions, covering the northern and southern
parts of the UK. The association makes no charge for its services, and relies
totally on the generosity of the public to fund its work. Domiciliary 24-hour service A specialist team of professionals working in the homes of families gives
support at times of crisis, for example: - when a parent is in hospital with the sick child
- when the plan is for the child to die at home
- at a time of bereavement
As each family is unique, the support given is tailored to each individual
case. It entails caring for the sick child, caring for siblings, and helping to
maintain as much as possible of normal family life. The following is a typical
comment from just one family: "Thanks for letting us spend time as a
family, for Amy's play time, Zoe's quiet time, relieving our stresses and for
just being there". There are two regional telephone numbers for the 24-hour domiciliary
service, as follows: - Southern region: 01372 453309
- Northern region: 01434 602961
Respite havens There are two respite havens in Great Bookham, Surrey (Rainbow House) and
Hexham, Northumberland (Fernstone), serving the southern and northern parts of
the UK respectively. Here, sick children may stay with their family for a
period of up to two weeks. Staff trained in counselling, child-care, and
play-therapy, are available 24 hours a day to provide physical, spiritual, and
emotional support, a listening ear, and a sense of humour. Both houses are beautifully maintained and equipped, providing a peaceful
home-from-home atmosphere with time for relaxation and enjoyment. These are
some comments from the visitors' book: - "Thank you for giving us the chance to enjoy our children by taking
away all the every day chores"
- "Thank you for the love, peace and understanding you all exude. It's
a great thing you've all set up!!"
- "Thank you for all the time I had to rest, very caring staff,
beautiful feeling of home and great food!"
The location of the havens is as follows:
Rainbow House
47 Eatwick Drive
Great Bookham
Surrey
KT23 3PU  01372 453309
Fernstone
Lowgate
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 2NL 01434 602961
Southern Rainbow Trust
Surrey House
31 Church Street
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 8EF 01372 363438
 01372 363101 Northern Rainbow Trust
21a Priestpopple
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1PH 01434 602096
01434 602096 | 
