S1E5 - Aimee Carlisle – Young People and the iProgramme

Aimee Carlisle, the Education Co-Ordinator at Foster Care Associates in Belfast, is the focus of this episode. Aimee discusses her involvement in WheelWorks Art's (WWA) iProgramme with Tom Thorpe. The iProgramme is designed to enhance the confidence, self-esteem, and social participation of young people who have experienced traumatic circumstances and adversity, including abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction. These young individuals often reside in areas marked by high deprivation and face the challenges of poverty and inadequate housing. The iProgramme serves as a beacon of hope, offering them creative activities that nurture positive friendships, boost self-assurance, and encourage exploration of new horizons and skills. Through various art forms, including arts and crafts, animation, music production, photography, and virtual reality (VR), these young souls discover their creative passions and innate strengths. Aimee highlights the profound impact of WWA's work on these individuals and expresses concerns about the potential consequences of funding cuts to such vital programmes.