Immediate Release: Friday, 21st of October 2016
EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland today celebrate National Care Leavers Day hosting the third Annual Aftercare Conference entitled ‘Out On My Own’in George’s Hall, Dublin Castle.
The opening address of the conference was made by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.
The President paid tribute to all of the Care Leavers of Ireland, and to organisations such as EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland for empowering young people to vindicate their right to participate in debate and decisions about their future.
The President also spoke of the courage and determination required from, and displayed by, so many young people leaving the care system, and he reminded participants of our duty to build a society that recognises the inherent dignity of all its members, and that allows a voice to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
Speakers throughout this one day conference will include young people who will give their perspectives on the ‘good’, the ‘bad’ and the ‘reality’ of leaving State Care. The afternoon session will also include a panel of experts that will answer young people’s questions on aftercare.
Notes to the Editor
- Follow EPIC on Twitter @epicireland where you can tweet about the conference using the hashtag #OutOnMyOwn
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For all media enquiries, or to arrange an interview please contact:
Jennifer Gargan, Director of EPIC Noel Howard, Care Leavers Ireland
Tel: 01 872 7661/0866073866 Tel: 087 1331280
Email: jennifergargan@epiconline.ie nh99@eircom.net
EPIC (formerly IAYPIC) is an independent association that works throughout the Republic of Ireland, with and for children and young people who are currently living in care or who have had an experience of living in care.
Care Leavers Ireland is a charity founded in 2008 which makes modest grants available to care leavers who are pursuing an education or career path.