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ChIPS is a vibrant peer support program for young people, by young people. Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý

The program offers a wide range of opportunities for members who are:

• Aged 12 to 25 years (please note: 12 year olds must be in high school, and participants typically graduate prior to turning 25).
• Aged 18 years or younger at time of referral.Ìý
  
• Living with a primary diagnosis of a chronic medical illness.Ìý
• Able to attend an intake group (groups range from 1 or 2 full days to eight week groups which are typically 1.5 hours, 1 night per week).Ìý
• Ready and able to participate and function well in a group setting.
• Willing andÌýable to participate safely in supervised and unsupervised group settings (all participation in ChIPS is voluntary).ÌýÌý

ChIPS does not accept referrals for young people whose primary diagnosis is:Ìý

• An eating disorderÌý
• A mental health conditionÌý
• Somatoform or medically unexplained symptomsÌý
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)Ìý
• Cancer

For more detailed referral criteria and to find out if the program is suitable for your young person please contact the ChIPS office on (03) 9345 6616 or chips.program@rch.org.auÌýÌý

Based at the Royal Children's Hospital (Department of Adolescent Medicine) in Melbourne, ChIPS works to engage young people from metropolitan and rural Victoria. The program has been running for over thirty years and is currently 100% philanthropically funded via The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Good Friday Appeal. If you would like to donate to ChIPS please contact The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation on (03) 9345 5037ÌýorÌýrch.foundation@rch.org.au

For more information check out our ChIPS brochure here

ChIPS offers:

Group intake programs

ChIPS offers various entry pathways including six or eight week groups and one or two day intensives. Groups use music, art, games, and discussion to explore living with a chronic illness. The Intensive groups are held over one or two days in the school holidays, allowing young people who do not live close to RCH to attend. Groups typically contain six to ten young people and are facilitated by ChIPS staff and senior ChIPS members.Ìý

Topics are participant directed and can include:

• Missing out and limitations
• Judgements
• RelationshipsÌýÌý
• Hospital visits and medications

One ChIPS member said this about their experience of Eight Week Group:

"It 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."ÌýÌý

Social activities

ChIPS members get together for social activities three to four times a year, usually during school holidays. Socials are organised by the young people in the program so they can choose activities they are most interested in doing. Past socials have included going to the movies, online trivia, a Master Chef cook off, visits to Science Works, bowling, and games and pizza nights.Ìý

Camps

Camps are a highlight on the ChIPS calendar! Twice a year our members can enjoy three days full of fun, challenges and laughter, with staff, volunteers and a complete medical team on board!ÌýÌý

Leadership Training

Once a year ChIPS members explore the concept of leadership, learning about things such as communication skills, public speaking, group dynamics, team building, and other important life skills.Ìý

Peer Leader Program

Peer Leaders are an integral part of the ChIPS program and are chosen based on their warmth, empathy and respect for their fellow program participants. Peer Leaders meet regularly throughout the year and are provided with leadership skills training to enable them to assist staff with facilitation at intake groups, camps and socials.Ìý

Reference Committee

A key principle of ChIPS is youth participation. The Reference Committee meets once a month for two hours and is comprised of a group of approximately twenty program members who want to actively contribute to the running of the program. Within the Reference Committee there are four sub-committees who are responsible for organising socials, January camp, various publications, and advocacy opportunities. Being part of Reference Committee is a great way to learn new skills, work as part of a team, and bolster your resume in a safe and supported environment.ÌýÌý

Here is what one ChIPS member said about their experience:

"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."

Publications

ChIPS publishes and prints an annual magazine The Wrapper, as well as quarterly digital Snack Packs. All program participants have the opportunity to write, edit, or contribute photos, illustrations and artworks to the publications, or just keep up to date with what is happening in the program.Ìý

Advocacy presentations

Advocacy is a large part of the ChIPS Program and we offer many opportunities for young people to inform the community about the impact that chronic illnesses have on their lives. ChIPS participants frequently present to teams within the hospital and the community, and have had opportunities to present at conferences around Australia. Many program participants share their personal stories and experiences while others talk about the ChIPS Program structure, history, and referral process.Ìý

ChIPS members also promote ChIPS directly to young people with chronic illnesses by regularly visiting wards at The Royal Children's Hospital.

If you would like more information on these presentations please contactÌýChIPS Staff at chips.program@rch.org.au or on (03) 9345 6616.Ìý