What is ChIPS
ChIPS is a vibrant adolescent peer support program for young people who are:
- 12-25 years of age with a primary diagnosis of chronic illness,
- Living with a chronic illness or condition that affects their daily life,
- Are able to attend 8 Week Peer Support Group or a 2 day Intensive Group,
- Are ready and able to participate/function well in a group setting.
ChIPS is based at the Royal Children’s Hospital (Centre for Adolescent Health) in Melbourne and works to engage young people from metropolitan and rural Victoria.
The ChIPS experience begins with The 8-Week Group or Intensive Group. These groups are facilitated by a health professional and a trained ChIPS peer leader in an informal and supportive environment.
The 8-Week Group or Intensive Group
Each group has six to eight young people, topics explored in the groups can include:
- Missing out and limitations
- Judgements,
- Relationships
- Hospital visits & medications
The 8 Week Group meets once a week for 1.5 hours.
The Intensive Group covers the same content but is held over 2 days in the school holidays, allowing more young people to attend.
“I thought that the eight week group was a great opportunity to open up to people other than your friends and family. At first I wasn’t sure about what I should expose about myself, but then I got more confident and realised that they felt the same way about it. I was able to talk to them about pretty much anything.”
AND THEN...
After completion of the 8-Week group or Intensive ChIPERS can attend:
Social activities - (once a school term)
These have included African Drumming, Master Chef cook off, Zoo visit and Games and Pizza Night…
Camps
3 days full of fun, challenge and laughter
Leadership Training
Over two days CHIPERS explore the concept of leadership and learn more about:
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Group dynamics
- Team building
Peer Leader Training
A training which explores the skills necessary to be a Peer Leader within the program.
Publications
Being a ChIPS member also means you will be able to keep up to date with what is happening in the program through the ChILL newsletter and annual Wrapper magazine.
Reference Committee
ChIPS is based on youth participation and the Reference Committee is made of a group of 20 ChIPERS that want to actively contribute back to the program through providing ideas and feedback. Within the Reference Committee there are sub committee which are charged with organising socials, the annual camp, publications and advocacy matters. Being part of Reference Committee is a great way to learn new skills and work as part of a team.
The Reference Committee meets once a month for 2 hours at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“I am part of the ChIPS reference committee so I can give back to ChIPS what ChIPS has given me. Through the reference committee I get to help ChIPS function, as well as learning skills in leadership and teamwork. It is an amazing way to work towards a common goal with my friends that are in similar situation as myself.”
Advocacy Presentations
A component of the ChIPS program is to inform the community about the impact that chronic illness has on young people’s lives. The main avenue for raising awareness is through public speaking presentations within the community. These involve young people sharing their story of having a chronic illness and their experiences within the ChIPS program, along with an outline of the ChIPS program structure history and referral process.
ChIPERS also promote ChIPS directly to young people with chronic illness by regularly visiting wards at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
If you would like more information on these presentations please contact, ChIPS Team Leader Jarnia Cameron
