Families who are trying to cope with having a seriously ill child face huge upheaval to their lives. Caring for a sick child often means that routines are abandoned and normal life is simply not possible. Parents find it difficult to stay in work, the sick child can miss out on vital schooling and siblings are left confused and lacking the attention they need. Often the parents have no-one to talk to that understands what they and their children are going through.

Rainbow Trust provides Family Support Workers to give support to families of children who have life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Support is given at home, at hospital and wherever else is needed. Family Support Workers help parents with the practical aspects of living with a sick child and give emotional support to brothers and sisters who are struggling to deal with the changes to their lives.