Finding Rainbows Establishment Move

Finding Rainbows have chosen to crowdfund to help us achieve our goal of being able to move to a new building! There are many reasons that we would like to this but the main one, is so that we can offer more to those accessing our services in one place, that has a ground floor and is accessible. 

Currently the building that we use is a 1st floor small office space with a second floor for storage and a counselling room. In order to come to us, we have to use the main doorway belonging to the building below. 

We would like to be able to have a space that is more private, able to run our multiple groups from and to be able to help us become more sustainable in the long term by having space to rent shelves to the local community to sell their own business items or even run a small community based bereavement cafe! 

Finding Rainbows specialises in supporting individuals and families who have suffered the loss of a baby or child. This is done via peer mentoring, counselling, groups and events. We understand that grief is individual to each person who seeks support with us, which is why we take a bespoke approach to those we speak to and aim to work in a way that will be most beneficial to them and their journey. 

We currently have a number of projects that we run, these are Tale as Old as Time, The Rainbow Baby Group, Over the Rainbow and Upon Angels Wings. Each have their own aims and reasons for being created but have allowed many people to access support that is needed. 

Tale as Old as Time is a afternoon tea for individuals aged 50 years and over, who sadly suffered a loss or losses many years ago. This was during a time where baby loss was talked about even less than now, where they did not get to see or hold their child. In some cases, they did not know where they were laid to rest. This project created a safe space where those attending were able to talk about their babies, they were able speak about their experiences and feel heard. Feel that their babies mattered. In some cases, Finding Rainbows with the help of another organisation (Brief Life Remembered) has been able to find the final resting spot of babies and being comfort to those who have been seeking it. 

The Rainbow Baby Group is a group for women who are going through a pregnancy or parenting a rainbow baby after the loss of a child or baby. This group is for mums to be able to talk openly about the feelings of fear and anxiety that comes with carrying a pregnancy after loss and everything that comes with that in regards to their mental health in and after pregnancy. This group do monthly meet ups and activities. 

Over the Rainbow is a bereavement project that offers all the same services as parents who attend Finding Rainbows are able to access. This project covers other losses that individuals in the community may experience such as friends or family. Peer mentoring, counselling and events are all offered to those attending through the Over the Rainbow project. 

Upon Angels Wings is a project where wedding dresses are donated and repurposed into Angel Gowns which are donated free of charge to families who sadly are in need for a babies funeral. The individual who donated their wedding dress is able to receive a keepsake heart made from their wedding dress while gowns are boxed with a small felt toy, blanket or cardigan and boots which go to the family. This project has created links with local hospitals and funeral directors in order to help the community around Tameside and Manchester. 

Finding Rainbows started as a small coffee morning once a month and has grown to offer more and more. In order to keep doing this, we need your support and help. We would love it if you are able to donate, like our Facebook page and Twitter and share our crowd funder! We appreciate and love any and all support that you are able to give.