National Peer-Led Life Skills Programme
The programme began in early 2016. This is a life skills programme containing five modules that are designed and delivered by adults who have care experience, for children in care to ensure that they are adequately prepared to transition into adulthood. The topics covered in the five modules are: Aftercare, Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Healthy Relationships and Budgeting.
The modules were initially developed in spring 2016 by the peer educators and EPIC staff. To ensure they were of a high standard of quality, EPIC organised focus groups with a number of professionals from relevant services: Mental Health, Homelessness, Probation, University Access Programme and Alternative Care. They also received input from care leavers, and other organisations that have experience in delivering peer-led education (VOYPIC in Northern Ireland, Become in England and Crosscare in Ireland). Finally, they consulted with specific organisations to ensure the module content was comprehensive, such as MABS and Ulster Bank. These modules were updated in February 2017.
The modules were initially developed in spring 2016 by the peer educators and EPIC staff. To ensure they were of a high standard of quality, EPIC organised focus groups with a number of professionals from relevant services: Mental Health, Homelessness, Probation, University Access Programme and Alternative Care. They also received input from care leavers, and other organisations that have experience in delivering peer-led education (VOYPIC in Northern Ireland, Become in England and Crosscare in Ireland). Finally, they consulted with specific organisations to ensure the module content was comprehensive, such as MABS and Ulster Bank. These modules were updated in February 2017.
The Peer Education Team
Laura Martin
Peer Educator Laura Martin has joined EPIC recently and is involved in delivering a life skills programme as a Peer Educator. Laura feels it is a great programme because when she left care there were some challenges she faced and she feels she would benefited from advice from other young care leavers.
Sabrina Harty
Peer Educator
Bio coming soon
Ciara O’Driscoll
Peer Educator
Bio coming soon