Youngsters at Rainbows are just so “Happy”

Some of our young people have re-created Pharrell Williams’ hit video ‘Happy’ because they wanted to tell everyone what a happy place Rainbows is.

More than 100 young people, staff and volunteers take part in the fun video, which is also a celebration of our 20^th birthday.

Currently, 309 children and young people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses are supported and cared for at Rainbows. Although there are inevitably sad times, we pride ourselves on being a happy place filled with fun and laughter, where special memories are made.

A group of young people aged 19 to 30, who currently come to Rainbows for respite and day care, came up with the concept and were involved in choosing the locations, formatting ideas, choreographing dances, as well as editing and directing.

Music therapist Neil Eaves said: “The young people told me they would love re-create the video, based on the one by Pharrell Williams, and we tried to get everyone involved.

“It is something they have come up with themselves and taken it on. The young people have seen their idea right through from conception to an end product and they have been involved in it every step of the way.

“It has been so much fun; they have enjoyed it and rightly feel very proud.”

Creating the Happy video took six months and licencing fees were funded by a donation from a supporter.

Neil added: “A lot of the young people involved in the video have been here for many years and have seen Rainbows expand and grow, while they themselves have grown from children into young adults. They know Rainbows is a happy place and they want to celebrate happiness.

“It wasn’t about Rainbows the building; it was about what Rainbows stands for and to show that it is the people who make it such a special place to be. Quite often people who visit Rainbows are amazed at how happy and full of life it is, and not the sad place they maybe thought it would be.”

To watch the Happy video, visit www.rainbows.co.uk/happy If it makes you happy, you can donate to Rainbows by visiting www.rainbows.co.uk/donate or text RAIN114 to 70070 and donate £4.