Chronic illness peer Support (ChIPS)
The ChIPS program is run by young people for young people. Like to join in?
All about ChIPS
The Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program is a service run by young people for young people that offers psychosocial support through peer engagement for young people aged 12-25, living with a chronic health condition(s).
This program supports young people to build community centred on shared experiences, delivered through a variety of peer-led content and projects including; include art exhibitions, music projects, magazine publications and social events! Take a look below to view some of our projects and see what we are up to!
ChIPS also supports a platform for young people to access opportunities for youth and health advocacy through leadership initiatives. We value inclusion and opportunities for access through co-design, decision-making and action. Please view some of their work in the advocacy tab!
ChIPS would like to acknowledge our supporters: our wonderful volunteer staff, the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) for their fundraising support and our amazing key donor Peter Davidson for his ongoing support. Thank you for valuing the ChIPS program and our incredible community.
The photo Postal Pal Project
Wake Up Call - music video
The making of Wake Up Call documentary
My illness won't stop me
The Chronicles publication: Issue 1
The Chronicles publication: Issue 2
ChIPS merch - Hoodie!
Youth Advocacy and Leadership across SCHN
Have a look at these leadership and advocacy initiatives that young people across the Network have developed. If you're keen on working on an initiative or have an idea to pitch that improves access to health care services for young people, please reach out!
- International Day of People with Disability 2021: See the Facebook video
- Youth Week 2022: See the Facebook video
- Check out our 2022 ChIPS Leadership Report
Have your say on the Network!
These SCHN programs are keen to make visible young people's and families' voices who use healthcare services.
Like to learn more or get involved?
Youth Arts Program
The Youth Arts Program SCH works with young people to develop arts-based projects and initiatives that aim to promote positive access to health care access and treatment by giving young people a platform to creatively connect to their experiences and share their stories.
- Email them to find out what brill community projects you can be a part of and build your artist profile!
Youth Council SCHN: SCHN-PatientandFamilyEngagement@health.nsw.gov.auDiversity Health: SCHN-DiversityHealth@health.nsw.gov.au
Contact ChIPS
Not a member of ChIPS? Never mind, we'll talk you through the ChIPS membership process!
- Email ChIPS Coordinators schn-chips@health.nsw.gov.au
Looking for more support?
We've found these services, many of which offer programs for young people.
If you know of a support group that's not on this list, please tell us so we can share da love!
- Creaky Joints for arthritis patients
- Get Psorted for Psoriasis Facebook page
- Crohns & Colitis Australia
- Canteen: If you’re 12-25 and dealing with your own or a close family member’s cancer, Canteen is in your corner.
- Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) offer a Peer Support Program. They have recently decided to appoint a specific Paediatric Peer Support Worker to help support young people with newly acquired SCI.
- Diversity & Disability Alliance is a user-led disability support organisation, run by and for people with disability from diverse backgrounds with the support of families and allies. A variety of different peer support services and programs.
- Muscular Dystrophy NSW Peer Connect Program
- Chronic Illness Alliance
- Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association - while not specifically youth-focused they offer a mentor program for people wanting to start out in a new sport which might be a way in for young people with CP to connect.
- Raise Mentoring Program – early intervention strategy for high school students. In partnership with schools and the broader community, they support young people to navigate challenges and believe in themselves.