EPIC Empowering People in Care
@epiconline.ie
National rights-based advocacy organisation working with and for children in care and young people with care experience. #CareAware
Our second panel is chaired by Prof Eavan Brady (TCD) and features Áine O’Keefe (TESS), Liz O’Neill (Dept of Ed), William McNamara (Tusla), Betty Attwood (Univ of Galway), and Aideen Foley (Dept of Higher Ed) discussing supporting care-experienced students every step of the way 🪜
November 17, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Our second panel is chaired by Prof Eavan Brady (TCD) and features Áine O’Keefe (TESS), Liz O’Neill (Dept of Ed), William McNamara (Tusla), Betty Attwood (Univ of Galway), and Aideen Foley (Dept of Higher Ed) discussing supporting care-experienced students every step of the way 🪜
Panellists are discussing challenges around sharing care-experience data across sectors, disjointed supports rather than a “one stop shop”, and finding the link between the individual “one good adult” and the big picture “one good policy” to support care-experienced learners in education.
November 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Panellists are discussing challenges around sharing care-experience data across sectors, disjointed supports rather than a “one stop shop”, and finding the link between the individual “one good adult” and the big picture “one good policy” to support care-experienced learners in education.
We’re back, as Prof Neil Harrison highlights improving outcomes requires policy progression for care-experienced learners. Another theme emerging today is the importance of a “single point of contact”, such as a designated teacher in each school leading a care-aware culture @neilharrison.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 12:23 PM
We’re back, as Prof Neil Harrison highlights improving outcomes requires policy progression for care-experienced learners. Another theme emerging today is the importance of a “single point of contact”, such as a designated teacher in each school leading a care-aware culture @neilharrison.bsky.social
Come say hi to EPIC Advocates Catherine and Criomhthann, grab some resources, and learn about our advocacy work! 👋🏻
November 17, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Come say hi to EPIC Advocates Catherine and Criomhthann, grab some resources, and learn about our advocacy work! 👋🏻
Good morning! We’re live at TU Dublin for today’s conference on empowering care-experienced students through their education 📖
@tudublin.bsky.social
@tudublin.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Good morning! We’re live at TU Dublin for today’s conference on empowering care-experienced students through their education 📖
@tudublin.bsky.social
@tudublin.bsky.social
Adrian, Caroline, John and Pip from EPIC's Cork team were thrilled to attend the 10th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference in University College Cork on Friday.
October 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Adrian, Caroline, John and Pip from EPIC's Cork team were thrilled to attend the 10th National Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference in University College Cork on Friday.
EPIC was delighted to attend the Irish Aftercare Network Conference last week.
EPIC Advocate Edel took part as a member of the IAN committee, while Brenda, Catherine and Peter represented at our info stand.
It was a valuable day for sharing learning and commitment to improving aftercare 💡
EPIC Advocate Edel took part as a member of the IAN committee, while Brenda, Catherine and Peter represented at our info stand.
It was a valuable day for sharing learning and commitment to improving aftercare 💡
October 23, 2025 at 10:39 AM
EPIC was delighted to attend the Irish Aftercare Network Conference last week.
EPIC Advocate Edel took part as a member of the IAN committee, while Brenda, Catherine and Peter represented at our info stand.
It was a valuable day for sharing learning and commitment to improving aftercare 💡
EPIC Advocate Edel took part as a member of the IAN committee, while Brenda, Catherine and Peter represented at our info stand.
It was a valuable day for sharing learning and commitment to improving aftercare 💡
Sincere thanks also to our panel - Katie Mannion, Diane Ihirwe, Roisin Webb, and Pip Keogh - for their thoughtful contributions, and to all the professionals who shared their insights.
Most importantly, we are grateful to the young people who took part in the research and shared their experiences.
Most importantly, we are grateful to the young people who took part in the research and shared their experiences.
October 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Sincere thanks also to our panel - Katie Mannion, Diane Ihirwe, Roisin Webb, and Pip Keogh - for their thoughtful contributions, and to all the professionals who shared their insights.
Most importantly, we are grateful to the young people who took part in the research and shared their experiences.
Most importantly, we are grateful to the young people who took part in the research and shared their experiences.
We’d like to thank Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick @ihrec.bsky.social for launching the report, and Dr Muireann Ní Raghallaigh, Dr Joanne Kelleher, and Professor Professor Prospera Tedam for leading this important research.
October 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
We’d like to thank Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick @ihrec.bsky.social for launching the report, and Dr Muireann Ní Raghallaigh, Dr Joanne Kelleher, and Professor Professor Prospera Tedam for leading this important research.
On Friday, EPIC launched new research “Be Strong – There’s so many problems waiting”: The Experiences of Separated Children Seeking International Protection in Ireland ☂️
Key stakeholders discussed the experiences of separated children and the policy changes needed to better support them.
Key stakeholders discussed the experiences of separated children and the policy changes needed to better support them.
October 14, 2025 at 9:17 AM
On Friday, EPIC launched new research “Be Strong – There’s so many problems waiting”: The Experiences of Separated Children Seeking International Protection in Ireland ☂️
Key stakeholders discussed the experiences of separated children and the policy changes needed to better support them.
Key stakeholders discussed the experiences of separated children and the policy changes needed to better support them.
EPIC's CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to mark Kinship Care Week this morning 🧡
EPIC is proud to stand with Kinship Care Ireland in raising awareness of the important contribution these families make every day.
Learn more: kinshipcare.ie
#KinshipCareWeek2025 #KinshipCareCounts
EPIC is proud to stand with Kinship Care Ireland in raising awareness of the important contribution these families make every day.
Learn more: kinshipcare.ie
#KinshipCareWeek2025 #KinshipCareCounts
October 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
EPIC's CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to mark Kinship Care Week this morning 🧡
EPIC is proud to stand with Kinship Care Ireland in raising awareness of the important contribution these families make every day.
Learn more: kinshipcare.ie
#KinshipCareWeek2025 #KinshipCareCounts
EPIC is proud to stand with Kinship Care Ireland in raising awareness of the important contribution these families make every day.
Learn more: kinshipcare.ie
#KinshipCareWeek2025 #KinshipCareCounts
Yesterday, our YEP Coordinator Thomas attended the Hub na nÓg Practitioners Meeting.
Thomas is pictured here with Professor Laura Lundy, creator of the Lundy Model of Participation, who presented.
The highlight? The Youth Advisory Group sharing what it really means to be heard!
Thomas is pictured here with Professor Laura Lundy, creator of the Lundy Model of Participation, who presented.
The highlight? The Youth Advisory Group sharing what it really means to be heard!
October 1, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Yesterday, our YEP Coordinator Thomas attended the Hub na nÓg Practitioners Meeting.
Thomas is pictured here with Professor Laura Lundy, creator of the Lundy Model of Participation, who presented.
The highlight? The Youth Advisory Group sharing what it really means to be heard!
Thomas is pictured here with Professor Laura Lundy, creator of the Lundy Model of Participation, who presented.
The highlight? The Youth Advisory Group sharing what it really means to be heard!
On Sunday, EPIC team attended the @irishfostercare.bsky.social conference 🌱
Fiona and Thomas represented EPIC with an information stand and session on our work while Cian, a member of the EPIC Care Community, spoke about his experience through advocacy, youth engagement and participation.
Fiona and Thomas represented EPIC with an information stand and session on our work while Cian, a member of the EPIC Care Community, spoke about his experience through advocacy, youth engagement and participation.
August 18, 2025 at 10:45 AM
On Sunday, EPIC team attended the @irishfostercare.bsky.social conference 🌱
Fiona and Thomas represented EPIC with an information stand and session on our work while Cian, a member of the EPIC Care Community, spoke about his experience through advocacy, youth engagement and participation.
Fiona and Thomas represented EPIC with an information stand and session on our work while Cian, a member of the EPIC Care Community, spoke about his experience through advocacy, youth engagement and participation.
Young people from our U18 Care Community joined a spray painting workshop + children’s rights session at @ocoireland.bsky.social this week as part of our Know Your Rights in Care project.
When we asked participants what they learnt, one said: “You have the right to use your rights.” 💬
When we asked participants what they learnt, one said: “You have the right to use your rights.” 💬
August 7, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Young people from our U18 Care Community joined a spray painting workshop + children’s rights session at @ocoireland.bsky.social this week as part of our Know Your Rights in Care project.
When we asked participants what they learnt, one said: “You have the right to use your rights.” 💬
When we asked participants what they learnt, one said: “You have the right to use your rights.” 💬
Part two of our graffiti workshop wrapped yesterday - and the final piece is wonderful!
Huge shoutout to the young people who took part, Hernan for leading the group and Core Youth Service for hosting.
Now proudly on display at the EPIC office💫
Huge shoutout to the young people who took part, Hernan for leading the group and Core Youth Service for hosting.
Now proudly on display at the EPIC office💫
July 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Part two of our graffiti workshop wrapped yesterday - and the final piece is wonderful!
Huge shoutout to the young people who took part, Hernan for leading the group and Core Youth Service for hosting.
Now proudly on display at the EPIC office💫
Huge shoutout to the young people who took part, Hernan for leading the group and Core Youth Service for hosting.
Now proudly on display at the EPIC office💫
We had a brilliant, sunny start to our summer programme today🌞
Care Community members came together for an outdoor graffiti workshop with Hernan, which resulted in some seriously cool works of art.
Looking forward to part two this Monday with the same group and a few new faces joining in!
Care Community members came together for an outdoor graffiti workshop with Hernan, which resulted in some seriously cool works of art.
Looking forward to part two this Monday with the same group and a few new faces joining in!
July 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We had a brilliant, sunny start to our summer programme today🌞
Care Community members came together for an outdoor graffiti workshop with Hernan, which resulted in some seriously cool works of art.
Looking forward to part two this Monday with the same group and a few new faces joining in!
Care Community members came together for an outdoor graffiti workshop with Hernan, which resulted in some seriously cool works of art.
Looking forward to part two this Monday with the same group and a few new faces joining in!
EPIC’s Advocacy Service Manager, Fiona Murray, presented at the recent TIGALA seminar.
Fiona shared insights drawn from the lived experiences of children and young people - emphasising how disruptive placement changes can be, and highlighting the need for consistent and supportive environments.
Fiona shared insights drawn from the lived experiences of children and young people - emphasising how disruptive placement changes can be, and highlighting the need for consistent and supportive environments.
July 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
EPIC’s Advocacy Service Manager, Fiona Murray, presented at the recent TIGALA seminar.
Fiona shared insights drawn from the lived experiences of children and young people - emphasising how disruptive placement changes can be, and highlighting the need for consistent and supportive environments.
Fiona shared insights drawn from the lived experiences of children and young people - emphasising how disruptive placement changes can be, and highlighting the need for consistent and supportive environments.
Listen now 🎧
Kai from the EPIC Youth Council speaks to the Irish Foster Care Association about growing up in residential care, the need for real support, and why challenging stigma matters.
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️
Kai from the EPIC Youth Council speaks to the Irish Foster Care Association about growing up in residential care, the need for real support, and why challenging stigma matters.
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️
July 2, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Listen now 🎧
Kai from the EPIC Youth Council speaks to the Irish Foster Care Association about growing up in residential care, the need for real support, and why challenging stigma matters.
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️
Kai from the EPIC Youth Council speaks to the Irish Foster Care Association about growing up in residential care, the need for real support, and why challenging stigma matters.
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️
On Saturday, EPIC was proud to take part in Dublin Pride, marching alongside youth groups from across Ireland with Belong To 🌈
At a time when LGBTQ+ are once again under attack, showing up matters now more than ever.
💜 ❤️ 🧡 💙
At a time when LGBTQ+ are once again under attack, showing up matters now more than ever.
💜 ❤️ 🧡 💙
June 30, 2025 at 1:55 PM
On Saturday, EPIC was proud to take part in Dublin Pride, marching alongside youth groups from across Ireland with Belong To 🌈
At a time when LGBTQ+ are once again under attack, showing up matters now more than ever.
💜 ❤️ 🧡 💙
At a time when LGBTQ+ are once again under attack, showing up matters now more than ever.
💜 ❤️ 🧡 💙
This week, EPIC met with colleagues from across the youth sector to mark 10 years since the Marriage Equality Referendum.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are once again being questioned and challenged, it is as important now as it was then to come together in solidarity.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are once again being questioned and challenged, it is as important now as it was then to come together in solidarity.
June 20, 2025 at 1:04 PM
This week, EPIC met with colleagues from across the youth sector to mark 10 years since the Marriage Equality Referendum.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are once again being questioned and challenged, it is as important now as it was then to come together in solidarity.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are once again being questioned and challenged, it is as important now as it was then to come together in solidarity.
Pride 2025 🌈
These slogans are a reminder of what Pride is about - visibility, resistance, and solidarity. Feeling inspired? Join us for Dublin Pride 2025!
To register, email participation@epiconline.ie.
The EPIC Pride Bloc is for everyone! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
These slogans are a reminder of what Pride is about - visibility, resistance, and solidarity. Feeling inspired? Join us for Dublin Pride 2025!
To register, email participation@epiconline.ie.
The EPIC Pride Bloc is for everyone! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
June 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Pride 2025 🌈
These slogans are a reminder of what Pride is about - visibility, resistance, and solidarity. Feeling inspired? Join us for Dublin Pride 2025!
To register, email participation@epiconline.ie.
The EPIC Pride Bloc is for everyone! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
These slogans are a reminder of what Pride is about - visibility, resistance, and solidarity. Feeling inspired? Join us for Dublin Pride 2025!
To register, email participation@epiconline.ie.
The EPIC Pride Bloc is for everyone! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Our Youth Engagement and Participation (YEP) team work with young people in special care to amplify their voices - like this comic book project that lets young people share their stories through cartoons, guided by the Lundy Model.
Learn about YEP: www.epiconline.ie/youth-empowerment/
Learn about YEP: www.epiconline.ie/youth-empowerment/
June 6, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Our Youth Engagement and Participation (YEP) team work with young people in special care to amplify their voices - like this comic book project that lets young people share their stories through cartoons, guided by the Lundy Model.
Learn about YEP: www.epiconline.ie/youth-empowerment/
Learn about YEP: www.epiconline.ie/youth-empowerment/
EPIC is proud to launch Care to College, a new research study by Dr Merike Darmody @esri.ie, exploring the educational journeys of care-experienced young people.
Through participative research and consultations, it looks at what supports and prevents access to and completion of higher education.
Through participative research and consultations, it looks at what supports and prevents access to and completion of higher education.
May 23, 2025 at 8:31 AM
EPIC is proud to launch Care to College, a new research study by Dr Merike Darmody @esri.ie, exploring the educational journeys of care-experienced young people.
Through participative research and consultations, it looks at what supports and prevents access to and completion of higher education.
Through participative research and consultations, it looks at what supports and prevents access to and completion of higher education.
The report also highlights the vital role independent advocacy plays in challenging systemic issues and driving change at policy and service levels.
www.epiconline.ie/news/independent-advocacy-towards-a-best-practice-model/🔎
www.epiconline.ie/news/independent-advocacy-towards-a-best-practice-model/🔎
May 14, 2025 at 8:51 AM
The report also highlights the vital role independent advocacy plays in challenging systemic issues and driving change at policy and service levels.
www.epiconline.ie/news/independent-advocacy-towards-a-best-practice-model/🔎
www.epiconline.ie/news/independent-advocacy-towards-a-best-practice-model/🔎
Informed by young people supported by EPIC’s National Advocacy Service & consultations with EPIC advocates, management & sector colleagues, it presents a relationship-based model of advocacy rooted in rights & promoting voice, participation, & empowerment.
May 14, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Informed by young people supported by EPIC’s National Advocacy Service & consultations with EPIC advocates, management & sector colleagues, it presents a relationship-based model of advocacy rooted in rights & promoting voice, participation, & empowerment.