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Thursday, June 4, 1998 Published at 06:26 GMT 07:26 UK


UK

Pledge to help 'forgotten' children

Sick children need care, and their siblings needs support

A charity which provides support for terminally ill children and those with life-threatening conditions is turning its attention to their siblings.


The BBC's social affairs correspondent Alison Holt reports on the study's aims
The Rainbow Trust is launching a two-year study focusing on the "forgotten" brothers and sisters of dying children.

It is also starting a programme designed to cater for the special needs of siblings in this difficult situation.

Set up 12 years ago, the Rainbow Trust has tended to the needs of around 500 families. It provides carers and help with a range of home practicalities, from just sitting with a sick child to preparing food for family members.

Families are also offered the opportunity to relax and benefit from respite by spending time in one of the charity's homes.

Although it focuses strongly on the needs of terminally ill youngsters, the Rainbow Trust continues to offer support to parents after a child has died.

Now the charity is branching out to look at the impact on brothers and sisters of sick children. It is known that they can be affected in several ways. Some show behavioural problems and signs of attention seeking others become withdrawn.



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