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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 09/10/2026

Yesterday, EPIC Youth Council member Kai joined Róisín and Tara from our Research & Policy team at the Joint Committee on Children and Equality. Youth Advisory Panel members spoke about incorporating the UNCRC into Irish law.

Three people standing outside a stone building entrance, posing for a photo in front of a large arched doorway.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/10/2026

EPIC's Board of Directors is seeking a board member with expertise in strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grants or corporate partnerships. Find out more: www.boardmatch.ie/board-vacanc...

Join the EPIC Board! 🤝

EPIC's Board of Directors is seeking a board member with expertise in strategic partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grants or corporate partnerships, along with knowledge of the Irish or UK funding landscape, strong networks and experience in the charity or social impact sector.

Find out more: https://www.boardmatch.ie/board-vacancy/board-member-strategic-partnerships

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 01/10/2026

Work with us! EPIC is seeking a Youth Engagement and Participation Worker to join our team, based in Donegal 📣 The successful candidate will work to deliver a youth engagement and participation programme with children seeking international protection. www.epiconline.ie/news/yep-wor...

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/09/2026

Applications for these job posts close this Friday at 5:00 PM ⏰ EPIC is looking for an Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and an Advocacy Administrator (Based in Dublin or Cork). Learn more on our website: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us/ #EPIC #Care #Children #YoungPeople #Ireland

EPIC (Empowering People in Care) is hiring for two roles. Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork). Applications close on 4 September. Apply now via the EPIC careers page.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 27/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone who received a CAO offer this week! 😊 If you're care-experienced, it's worth getting in touch with your Access Office when you start college 📌 (⬇️)

Person studying at a desk with books, notes and a computer. Graphic promoting EPIC's resource, "Access offices support care-experienced students in higher education".

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/08/2026

Every young person in care has rights. Do you know yours? 📢 Next set of cards from 'Hear Me Out', a rights-based card game based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Discover all 18 Hear Me Out cards and learn more at epiconline.ie 🎴

Graphic showing a fan of children's rights cards, text that says "Hear Me Out! A Rights-Based Card Game", conversation speech bubble icons, and logos for EPIC and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Card of Article 8 (Preservation of Identity), with a graphic of an exclamation mark and question mark. Card of Article 12 (The Right to Be Heard), with a graphic of a megaphone.

Card of Article 13 (Freedom of Expression), with a graphic of lips and a speech bubble. Card of Article 14 (Freedom of Religion), with a graphic of the Earth surrounded by religious symbols.

Card of Article 16 (Protection of Privacy), with a graphic of a padlock. Graphic introducing the Hear Me Out! rights-based card game, featuring a link to epiconline.ie, the game box artwork.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/08/2026

Join the EPIC team! 😊📣 We are currently hiring an Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and an Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork) 🤝 Learn more and apply: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us/ Applications close for both roles: Friday, September 4th at 5:00 PM #EPIC #jobfairy #irishjobs #advocacy

EPIC recruitment advertisement. Applications close September 4th. Open positions: Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) and Advocacy Administrator (Dublin or Cork). Apply now. EPIC Empowering People in Care.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/08/2026

It's Leaving Cert Results Day! We're thinking of you and cheering you on today 👏 No matter the outcome, be proud of all you have achieved. Reaching this point has taken a lot of hard work, resilience, and determination, and that's worth celebrating 😊

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 18/08/2026

Don't miss out ⏰ Applications close this Friday, August 21st at 5:00 PM. Learn more here: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...

Recruitment advertisement for a Research and Policy Officer position in Dublin at EPIC Empowering People in Care, with a call-to-action to apply now.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 05/08/2026

We're hiring! 📣 We are currently recruiting for three roles: - Advocacy Administrator (Cork or Dublin) - Advocacy Officer (Dublin Regions) - Research and Policy Officer (Dublin) To find out more and apply, visit: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/07/2026

Visit epiconline.ie/know-your-rights to explore all 18 cards and learn more about the project. This project was funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Youth. #EPIC #Care #Children #YoungPeople #Rights #Ireland

Card of Article 6 (Survival and Development), with a graphic of a growing plant.

Graphic introducing the Hear Me Out! rights-based card game, featuring information about the resource, a link to epiconline.ie, the game box artwork, and logos for EPIC and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/07/2026

These cards explore who rights apply to, protection from discrimination, making decisions in a child's best interests, putting rights into practice, and every child's right to life, survival and development.

Card of Article 3 (Best Interests of the Child), with a graphic of people meeting around a table.

Card of Article 4 (Implementation of Rights), with a graphic of a government building.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/07/2026

While developing the cards, young people picked out the most important rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Today, we're looking at those first five cards 👇

Card of Article 1 (Definition of the Child), with a graphic of the number 18 shaped as a balloon.

Card of Article 2 (Non-discrimination), with a graphic of an equals sign.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/07/2026

Knowing your rights is the first step to using them 🗣️ Young people in care came together to develop Hear Me Out, a rights-based card game that helps care-experienced children and young people discover, understand and talk about their rights.

Graphic showing a fan of children's rights cards, text that says "Hear Me Out! A Rights-Based Card Game", and conversation speech bubble icons.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/07/2026

Yesterday, members of the EPIC Youth Council met with Kate Duggan, CEO of TUSLA, in our Limerick office to follow up on previous discussions. The Council raised concerns about the accessibility of aftercare services and media consciousness about the language used when discussing children in care.

Group photo taken at EPIC Empowering People In Care's Limerick office showing six members of the EPIC Youth Council alongside Kate Duggan, CEO of TUSLA, and Katie Fleming, EPIC Youth Engagement and Participation Worker. The group stands in front of large windows in a meeting room, wearing a mix of casual and smart casual clothing.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 23/07/2026

We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer to join our team 📢 This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong research and analytical skills who is passionate about children's rights and committed to influencing positive change 😊 Find out more: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 13/07/2026

Great to see EPIC Advocate Brenda and EPIC Youth Council member Andrea at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference in Moycullen this weekend. Thanks to @irishfostercare.bsky.social for a fantastic event and for having us! 💜

EPIC Advocate Brenda and EPIC Youth Council member Andrea stand together in front of an EPIC banner at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference. The banner highlights EPIC’s mission, “empowering people in care,” and its values of being empowering, rights-based, inclusive and ambitious.

EPIC information stand at the Irish Foster Care Association Conference featuring advocacy resources, care information booklets, publications, badges and promotional materials displayed alongside an EPIC banner outlining the organisation’s mission and values.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 09/07/2026

EPIC welcomes Tusla’s announcement that Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) are to be subject to greater regulation and oversight. Bringing emergency placements within an inspection and governance framework is an important step towards strengthening safeguards for children in care.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/07/2026

Our CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to attend today's launch of the Irish Foster Care Association's Pre-Budget Submission 2027.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 29/06/2026

We had so much fun at Dublin Pride on Saturday! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Thank you to Belong To for inviting us to breakfast and for walking with you in the parade 🙌 We marched for all LGBTQ+ young people in care and with care-experience 💜

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/06/2026

Huge congratulations to the young people in Include Youth’s Give and Take Programme in Tallaght 🥳 The programme supports young people in aftercare to build skills, confidence and real opportunities for the future 🙌 Members of EPIC’s YEP team were delighted to join such a brilliant day 💜

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 29/05/2026

Thomas and Katie were delighted to be invited by a young person to celebrate completing a full month of Play All May at Ballydowd Special Care Unit 👏 A month of daily movement, fun activities and confidence building, finished with a BBQ, ice cream van and bouncy castle 🥳

Thomas and Katie from EPIC's Youth Engagement and Participation Team. They are each holding an ice cream with strawberry sauce and a chocolate flake. They are wearing EPIC and rainbow lanyards.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/05/2026

EPIC is inviting proposals from qualified and regulated financial advisory firms to provide independent pension, financial and governance advice to the organisation and its pension scheme members. Submission deadline: 5pm, Monday 15th June 2026 📅 Learn more: www.epiconline.ie/work-with-us...

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 23/05/2026

“We’re very resilient. If I’m having a bad day, I’m like, ‘Well, I’ve come this far.’” Four members of the EPIC Youth Council spoke with Patrick Freyne for @irishtimes.com about their experiences growing up in care and their work advocating for other young people.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 22/05/2026

Earlier this week, EPIC joined colleagues from Inclusion Ireland to present to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability on the need for advocacy services for children with disabilities. You can read our full presentation here: www.epiconline.ie/news/joint-c...

Stood outside Leinster House: Gáibhin McGranaghan, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Lead at Inclusion Ireland, Derval McDonagh, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, Wayne Stanley, CEO of EPIC, and Róisín Webb, EPIC Research and Policy Manager.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 21/05/2026

EPIC CEO Wayne Stanley was delighted to attend the launch of the @ocoireland.bsky.social's 2025 Annual Report this morning We’re proud to support the OCO and their work championing the rights of children and young people across Ireland, including young people in care 🤝

EPIC's CEO Wayne Stanley with Tricia Keilthy, Head of Policy at the Ombudsman for Children's Office. They are holding the Ombudsman for Children's Office's 2025 Annual Report.

Pictured is the top of the Ombudsman for Children's Office's 2025 Annual Report. Partially visible text reads: Children's Rights In The Balance.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 12/05/2026

The Department of Education and Youth hosted the second Convention on Education session last weekend. EPIC's Education Project Manager, Tara Madden, represented EPIC, bringing care-experienced perspectives into the conversation.

Tara Madden with an attendee at the convention. They are standing in front of a large Convention on Education banner reading “Convention on Education. Our Schools. Our Future.” The banner features colourful panels and images of children and young people.

Multiple groups of people sat at tables, engaging in active discussion.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 05/05/2026

EPIC’s National Advocacy Service supports children and young people in care, aftercare, and anyone with care experience up to age 26 🗣️ Our Advocates provide free, confidential, independent support to help you understand your rights and have your voice heard 🤝

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 30/04/2026

Today is National Voter Registration Day! This is your reminder to check you’re registered to vote and ready to have your say 🗳️ If you’re newly 18, registering for the first time, or you’ve moved or changed details, check the register today! 👉 checktheregister.ie

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/04/2026

We heard from informative and inspiring speakers and panels from EPIC, Tusla, Cork CYPSC, Cork ETB, UCC and MTU, showing the value of joined up approaches across education and care 🤝 Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the day 🫶

Seven panellists at the Be Sound seminar, they are in a line and smiling at the camera.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/04/2026

This week we hosted the "Be Sound" seminar in Cork as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival 🙌 The seminar focused on what supports care-experienced young people to succeed in education, including understanding, consistency and practical support across schools, further and higher education 📚

Wide shot of the crowd at the Be Sound seminar event.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 16/04/2026

Yesterday, EPIC YEP staff and our Youth Council attended Tusla’s National Aftercare Conference in Athlone 😊 Stands, workshops and talks created space to have open conversations about aftercare in Ireland 🤝 Our Youth Council members really enjoyed taking part 💜

EPIC YEP staff and EPIC Youth Council on the train together. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: On our way to the Tusla Aftercare Conference”.

EPIC Youth Council seated together at a table in a conference room. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Registered and ready”.

An EPIC advocate and an EPIC Youth Council member standing at the EPIC information stand, with a banner and leaflets on the table. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Hi from the EPIC stand with Criomhthann. We are getting to chat about EPIC with attendees too”.

An EPIC Youth Council member speaking to a room of people, holding a sheet of paper, with a presentation screen behind them. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Kai’s speech then education workshop” and “Go Kai!”.

EPIC Youth Council members standing together for group photos at the conference. On screen text reads “EPIC Youth Council: Cute haha”.

A collage showing group photos, conference tables and event branding. On screen text includes “Tusla Aftercare Conference” and “EPIC Youth Council: Thanks for the great day gang”.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 16/04/2026

Over the Easter break, EPIC’s Care Community enjoyed fun, creative, and skill building activities, including go karting, barista training, and kayaking in Donegal, spray painting in Cork and Dublin, a visit to Dublin Zoo, and a relaxed pizza and board games session in Limerick ✨

Images in a polaroid format showing go-karting, barista training, kayaking, spray painting, a visit to the Zoo, and a whiteboard saying "Welcome to EPIC Limerick".

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 14/04/2026

From The Irish Times, "I was previously in care. What education supports might be available?" 📚 This article focuses on education supports for people with care-experience in Cork and Kerry, while also pointing out wider options across Ireland 💜 Check it out: www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...

Screenshot of an Irish Times education article titled “I was previously in care – what education supports might be available?”, shown on a purple background. The Irish Times masthead and article headline are clearly visible, with the lower portion of the article fading out.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 08/04/2026

As part of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, EPIC is hosting a seminar focused on the barriers and supports that shape the educational journeys of care-experienced students. Date: Wednesday 22nd April 2026 📅 Time: 10.00am🕒 Location: Millennium Hall, Cork 📍

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 31/03/2026

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility! 🏳️‍⚧️ Today, we celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere ✨ At EPIC, we stand with care-experienced young people of all identities. Everyone deserves to be themselves without fear and to grow with confidence 🫶

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 27/03/2026

The Children’s Rights Alliance has launched their 2026 Report Card, assessing how well the Government is delivering on commitments to children and young people. An EPIC Youth Council member spoke at the launch, bringing lived experience into the discussion.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/03/2026

Wayne noted: “Ireland is a changing country. Our demographics are changing, and the pressures on families are changing. But foster carers are absolutely the bedrock of our care system. For the children it works for, it makes it one of the best care systems in the world.”

Wayne Stanley CEO of EPIC (Empowering People In Care) being interviewed by RTÉ at the Mansion House, Dublin.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/03/2026

Kai highlighted the difference between feeling unheard and unsafe in his first care placement, and the positive experience of moving to a home where staff focused on his strengths and interests rather than his trauma. He spoke about how this contributed to a greater sense of belonging and stability.

EPIC Youth Council member, Kai, answering questions at the event with Dr Niall Muldoon (Ireland's Ombudsman for Children), Dr Tricia Keilthy (Head of Policy at the OCO) sat beside him. There are pull-ups and a tablecloth with OCO branding.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 26/03/2026

RTÉ News covered the launch of The Ombudsman for Children's Office 'Let’s Get It Right' report on Tuesday. They spoke with EPIC CEO Wayne Stanley and EPIC Youth Council member Kai Brosnan, who shared important insights into the care system. Read the full RTÉ article here www.rte.ie/.../0324/156...

Taken inside the Mansion House, Dublin, the background shows crests representing previou Lord Mayor of Dublin. On a big screen, you see a presentation slide "Let's get it right! A rights-based vision for children in care. March 2026".

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/03/2026

We were delighted to attend the launch of the Ombudsman for Children's 'Let’s Get It Right' report in Dublin yesterday 😊 Speaking at the event was EPIC Youth Council member, Kai. He spoke about his experience in care and the challenges he had encountered.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 19/03/2026

Every care-experienced child and young person should have clear information about their rights and the support available to them 💜 These leaflets explain what an EPIC Advocate does and how we support children and young people in care and in after care: www.epiconline.ie/library/advo...

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 15/03/2026

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge faoi lán seoil! ☘️ Roinn Kai ó Chomhairle Óige EPIC teachtaireacht físe chun an tseachtain a cheiliúradh 😊 Téigh chuig SnaG.ie chun tuilleadh eolais agus acmhainní a fháil 📚 @snagaeilge.bsky.social

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 13/03/2026

EPIC’s National Advocacy Service works with children and young people in foster care, relative foster care, residential care, special care, and youth detention. We also work with young people in aftercare services and anyone with care experience, up to the age of 26 🗣️

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 12/03/2026

Highlights from Care Day 🎉 Children and young people in care from across Ireland joined us for games, creativity and community 💜 Thank you to Core Youth Service, our brilliant facilitators and everyone who supported the day 🙌 Care Day is funded by the Dept. of Children, Disability and Equality 😊

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 03/03/2026

EPIC's Youth Council answering 'a message to my future self' 💬 Their message is clear. More clarity and support are still needed for young people in care moving into adulthood.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 02/03/2026

We were glad to attend the Independent Advocacy Gathering 2026 😊 The event brought together independent advocates, self-advocates, and supporters to explore human rights issues affecting people with disabilities, including decongregation, rights in relation to medication and self-advocacy ✨

A split image showing two scenes from the Independent Advocacy Gathering 2026.
On the left, a projected presentation slide reads “Independent Advocacy Gathering 2026” with logos for SHEP, NAS, the Patient Advocacy Service and EQUIP. The slide includes an illustration of several figures in a circle with the text “Real Voices, Real Choices” underneath.
On the right, a table is set up as an EPIC information stand. The table has leaflets, booklets, badges, postcards and other materials laid out. Behind the table is a tall EPIC banner with the words “Empowering, Rights Based, Inclusive, Ambitious” and the EPIC website. The stand is set up in a room with tall bookshelves and wooden flooring.

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 25/02/2026

We are excited to share that EPIC is now on TikTok 🎉 Follow us at @empoweringpeopleincare to see more of our video content, including posts featuring EPIC's Youth Council 😊 You can find us here: www.tiktok.com/@empoweringpeopleinc…

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/02/2026

How did you celebrate? We’d love to see your photos - send them to communications@epiconline.ie 💌 #EPIC #Care #Children #YoungPeople #Rights #Ireland

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EPIC Empowering People in Care @epiconline.ie · 24/02/2026

And in Cork, Wellsprings Aftercare Service hosted a lovely crafting evening for young people. One piece of artwork shared a message that really stood out: “Little by little, day by day, what is meant for you will find its way” 💫

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