Youth Engagement and Participation Team

My name is Shane Smart, and I joined the EPIC team in August 2023 as the Youth Participation and Engagement Lead for Dublin, North East and Mid Leinster counties.  My role involves working closely with EPIC’S Youth Councils, to help develop and support opportunities for children and young people to have their voices heard on issues related to the care system at a local and national level in Ireland. My role also involves creating spaces for them to come together, and to help build a positive, safe, and supportive Care Community. 

Before joining the EPIC team, I worked in BelongTo supporting young LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. I also worked with a local Dublin Task Forces as a Community Engagement Lead working to help support marginalised communities facing intersectional oppressions due to their identities or experiences. I have worked across several different social care settings including disability, homelessness, drug and alcohol services, and youth work. 

My qualifications include a Master’s in Child Protection and Welfare from Trinity College Dublin, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care from Technological University Dublin.