EPIC Cork celebrates 10 years of operations

This week, EPIC, Empowering People in Care, is celebrating its ten-year anniversary in Cork.

Speaking at an event held in their Cork office this week, EPIC CEO Marissa Ryan said: “EPIC was established in 1999, and 10 years ago we opened our office in Cork. Since then, EPIC’s Cork team have worked really hard to provide an independent advocacy service to children and young people in state care and after care in the region, while also empowering them to participate in campaigns and events and providing vital research on their situation and experiences.”

Based out of Millerd Street in Cork city, three EPIC Advocates work with children and young people across Cork and the Southern region to ensure that their views are represented in matters relating to their care and situation when they leave care. The celebration coincides with the launch of EPIC’s new Strategic Plan which sets out the national children’s rights organisation’s goals for the next five years.

“As we mark this ten-year milestone and the launch of our new Strategy, we would like to thank our Cork friends, partners, and social work and social care colleagues for their support and positive engagement with EPIC since we first opened our doors in Cork in 2011. Collaboration is a key way of working for EPIC, and that is clearly elaborated on in our new Strategic Plan. I know that we will continue to work together with all our Cork partners to build a society where every care-experienced child and young person is valued, respected and heard.”

To request and EPIC Advocate or to learn more about EPIC’s National Advocacy Service and participation programme for children in care and young people with care experience, visit www.epiconline.ie.