The Young Adult Programme (YAP) is based at St Patrick's University Hospital (insert link to centre) and is located in the day programme area near the main hospital reception. The programme is held on weekdays between 10:30 and 15:30. It is composed of a wide range of group sessions and activities especially catering for the needs of young people. It is delivered by clinicians trained in working with young adults.
The programme aims to help you develop a better understanding of your problems, ways of resolving them, and receiving support from others with similar experiences. The programme aims to create a group culture that is positive and influential. It should be enjoyable and facilitate increasing motivation. The establishment of short-term goals is also beneficial both to the group and to the individual.
Young adults can join the programme at any stage in its cycle. The cycle is between 6 - 8 weeks and the groups vary in size depending on the activity. When you start, you'll meet the programme coordinator who will work out with you which components of the programme will suit you most and whether you might benefit from combining the programme with other programmes run by the hospital e.g. Living Through Distress Programme, Depression Programme, etc.
The co-ordinator will help you join the programme and will accompany you on your first day. You will meet other young people attending the programme, some with similar problems, and the focus will be on helping to resolve these problems with other people’s help. Being with other people with similar experiences goes a long way to reduce the isolation that many people experience initially with these conditions.