Why I chose Rainbow Trust

This report was written for me to explain the commitments that Rainbow Trust have with families from Dorset. This report summarises the important care and support that Rainbow Trust offer and it has made me even more determined to help them in anyway I can. Please spend a couple of minutes reading the update below. It certainly inspires me to complete my challenge. I hope it inspires you to donate some money to this worthy cause. Thanks Baz

DORSET UPDATE FEBRUARY 2008

We are working with a family where a young girl’s condition is slowly deteriorating. She has a genetic condition which means she has gradually become wheel chair dependent, at the same time she has lost her ability to communicate and has prolonged, serious seizures. This is very upsetting for her brothers and sisters, who sometimes feel that she gets too much attention. Our Family Support Worker has been spending time with the well children, taking them swimming, to the park or play areas. She has also spent time at home with them and has introduced workbooks for them to draw and write in, which encourages them to express their feelings. When the time is appropriate, and with the parent’s consent, the FSW will help the children prepare for their sister’s death.

We continue to support a family where a little boy of 4 is unable to breathe unaided. Our main work is with his brother, who had difficulties starting school, and was exhibiting behavioural problems. Our FSW has spent time with the brother, helping him to be independent and supporting him with praise and encouragement. His behaviour is greatly improved and we continue to work with the family, particularly as the sick child goes in and out of crisis.

We help to get a 7 year old girl with leukaemia to hospital appointments. If she is admitted we spend time with her so that her Mum can have a break, or we help at home in order to lessen Mum’s worries.

We spend time at hospital with a teenager who has cancer. She finds it difficult on the ward, surrounded by younger children. When we are there her mother is able to go home for a few hours, to see her other children.

We have been helping in a family where a 2 year old boy has a cancer that is difficult to treat. Our help has been at hospital in order to relieve Mum, so she can have some respite from the ward. We work with his sisters at home who have found workbooks helpful in expressing their fears about their brother. Our support includes the grandparents, who look after the girls during their brother’s prolonged periods in hospital. The grandmother has health problems and has therefore found the help invaluable.

We continue to give support to our bereaved families in Dorset.