Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS)

Contact

Phone: (02) 9382 5457

What does ChIPS do?

The Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program is a service run by young people for young people aged 14-25 years living with a chronic health condition and/or disability. ChIPS provides psychosocial support in a safe and inclusive setting, offering opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. Our aim is to build on emotional awareness, independence, and self-esteem to support a young person on their healthcare journey.

Our service is delivered through a variety of engaging, peer-led content and projects that aim to increase health literacy and support the wellbeing of young people in the program, accessible both in-person and online.

ChIPS is a part of our Youth & Transition services.

ChIPS referrals

Am I eligible

To be eligible for referral to ChIPS you must be a young person who is:

Aged between 14-25 years old
Still receiving healthcare from Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
Living with a primary diagnosis of a chronic health condition and/or disability
Seekng to engage in peer support in relation to your chronic condition and/or disability.
Ready and willing to safely participate in a group setting.
Able to attend an intake program (5 hours in-person)

I'm eligible! What do I do next?

If you are a young person or parent/carer, you can self-refer to ChIPS by emailing us at schn-chips@health.nsw.gov.au with the subject “ChIPS referral”.

If you are a healthcare worker, you can make a referral to ChIPS via consultmed or eMR (add > order > ChIPS referral).

Please note that ChIPS does have a waitlist, so there may be some time between referral, assessment, and entry into the program. We will do our best to keep you updated along the way!

Our programs

Potato peels

Managing your mental health and wellbeing alongside your chronic health condition and/or disability can be overwhelming. Sometimes we just need some extra support from our peers, or a space to discuss things that people who do not live with a chronic health condition and/or disability understand.

Potato Peels is a wellbeing group that explores the emotional impact of living with a chronic health condition and/or disability. Ever had thoughts that you are the only person who thinks and feels this way? This space is available for you to share your experiences and hear from others on topics, such as; body image and self-esteem, coping with change, grief and loss, positive peer relationships, and setting boundaries.

Potato Peels is led by staff and uses peer-engagement to support the sharing of lived experience in a safe and inclusive way.

Want to meet other young people IRL? Potato peels also runs in-person as a 2-day intensive (subject to availability)

Solo Spuds

A 5-week online group that explores key concepts relating to self-management, health-literacy, and independence.

What is self-management? Health care staff are going to expect you to start looking after your health independently, especially as you prepare to transition your health care to adult services. We understand this time is full of uncertainty and the unknown, but also opportunities to test out new skills and do things on your own!

Topics we look at include: navigating life after school, making the most out of medical appointments, and transitioning to adult services. We will break these down into smaller steps for you with some practical guides to adulting!

Creative connect

Looking for a space that explores health care and your experiences in a creative way?

We understand that communication is diverse, and there are many effective ways to share and be heard. Creative connect runs frequently throughout the year, engaging young people in art making practices (visual arts, creative writing, music etc.) to develop confidence in self-expression and build on self-awareness.

Workshops run both face-to-face and online, with support from local artists! ChIPS members regularly contribute to the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation Summer Art Exhibition, plus there are many more opportunities to share your content through SCHN.

Creative Connect Projects

Check out some of the exciting things we’ve been up to:

Social events

Managing your health can be social!

As we get older, we understand more about our communication styles and what we look for in relationships with other people, friends, family, work colleagues and peers alike. It is important we balance health care management with or social wellbeing and develop healthy relationships that are supportive.

There are many opportunities to connect with other young people who share similar lived experiences in ChIPS. We look forward to seeing you there!