There are an estimated 86,625* children in England with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. This number has trebled over the last 17 years and is rising. Thousands of families have to face the very real possibility that their child may die and struggle to cope on a day to day basis. Our Family Support Workers provide a lifeline to these families and children.
Why does Rainbow Trust help?
How does Rainbow Trust help?
When a child has a serious illness, family life is turned upside down and time becomes more precious than ever. Rainbow Trust pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who enables them to make the most of time together, giving them practical and emotional support, whenever they need it, for as long as is needed.
We support the whole family including parents, carers, the unwell child, brothers, sisters and grandparents. Support is hugely varied and depends on the needs of the family. It can include:
- listening to a family’s fears and anxieties
- helping to explain illnesses, diagnoses and treatments
- keeping a seriously ill child company during hospital stays
- driving families to medical appointments to help save time and money
- organising fun activities to help sick children, their brothers and sisters
- support through bereavement and grief.
Watch our video to learn more:
How Rainbow Trust helped Bea and her family
Watch our Family First Webinars
Find out more about the vital work we do at Rainbow Trust by watching our Family First webinar series. Our Family First webinars cover a range of topics surrounding the support our Family Support Workers provide to seriously ill children and their families.
Hear from the families we support
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Ethan's Story
'I can talk to Michelle about anything, and Katlyn loves her too. Michelle will come over and spend time with Ethan – it’s such a big help.’
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Finley's Story
'There’s someone there for you to talk to, who’s willing to help and is just really adaptable. Laura understands what it’s like'
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Mya Ela's Story
‘Jaimie has been my absolute rock to be honest. I would feel so lost without her. She has made such a big difference to our lives.'
Read more
See how Rainbow Trust Family Support Workers like Nicki help families make the most of each new day
Find out more about our support
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Support for families
Do you have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness? We support the whole family from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
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Where we support
We have six care teams of Family Support Workers in nine locations across the UK who provide emotional and practical support for families.
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Make a referral
Anyone can refer a family to us provided consent from the family has been given for the referral to be made.
Make a referral
How you can help
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Donate to Rainbow Trust
It is only thanks to your donations that we can give life-threatened children and their families expert support for as long as they need it.
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Fundraise for Rainbow Trust
Choose a challenge, pledge your birthday or let us inspire you with some great fundraising ideas.
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Volunteer for Rainbow Trust
Join our friendly volunteer team and help make a difference to families who have a seriously ill child.
Volunteer now
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