08/04/2026
Volunteer Opportunity with Rainbows Ireland
We are inviting people with a genuine interest in supporting children and young people to volunteer to train as Rainbows Facilitators and support Loughrea Family & Community Centre as we begin to roll out Rainbows to children and young people (7-17yrs) across the community.
Rainbows Ireland is a long-established national organisation celebrating 40 years in Ireland in 2027, they have developed a programme which supports us to offer a 9 week Rainbows Peer Support Group to children and young people who have experienced parental separation or bereavement.
Our Rainbows Peer Support Groups will be delivered by trained Staff & Volunteer Facilitators and serve children and young people in the local community and surrounding areas of Loughrea.
Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring these young people have access to understanding, support, and a safe space at a time of loss.
Who We’re Looking For
We warmly welcome volunteers who:
• Have experience working with children or young people
• Have a compassionate, supportive manner
• Can commit time, energy, and consistency
• Value being part of a meaningful, child centred service
Training & Support
All facilitators complete an initial 4 day online training programme with Rainbows Ireland before joining the Loughrea team. Volunteers will be paired and will work alongside each other to develop skills and confidence with the materials, group processes, and resources.
What the Role Involves
• Small group sizes (maximum of 8 participants per group)
• Groups run in 9 week blocks, 1 hour per week
• Volunteers commit 2 hours once a week, for up to two 9 week cycles per year
This level of consistency is essential. If you cannot commit the required time, we sincerely appreciate your interest but ask that you do not apply at this time. Without an active volunteer team ready to facilitate groups, families must be told we cannot offer a place – something we are keen to avoid.
Interested in Joining Us?
If you believe you have the right skill set, commitment, and heart for this meaningful work, we would love to hear from you.
Email:
Maria Coyne Twomey | Community Based Family Support Worker
familysupport@loughreafamilyresourcecentre.ie
