The pilot programme, SPACE is being launched at Limerick County Council Buildings on Monday evening the 7th November. SPACE (Support, Personable, Aware, Care, Exit) is a pilot programme being run by Rape Crisis Midwest in an effort to highlight the issues surrounding rape and sexual abuse to transition year students in the Midwest Region. 8 schools have been contacted to participate in the programme and assuming the pilot is a success, our aim would be to deliver it to all schools in the Limerick city and county region.

The SPACE programme aims to dispel the myths and attitudes that surround the crimes involved in sexual violence. Being able to recognise abusive behaviour is also a very important aspect of the programme. The pilot will also inform students of the services offered by Rape Crisis Midwest in the region and the value of getting help and support.

SPACE will be divided into sections and will be delivered during a 2 hour session with students and a follow up session the week after. Verena Tarpey will discuss and explain the laws of sexual offences, details of the court process and the sexual assault treatment unit in Limerick Regional Hospital. Eddie Lynch, our Volunteer counsellor, will then work through issues such as personal safety, alcohol and drug awareness and how to help a friend. This will be followed by case studies with the transition year students to ascertain their understanding of the concept. Sessions will be held in the morning which allows students to have a think about the issues raised and this leaves the afternoon free for a support network if required by the students. As we are all aware drugs and alcohol in many cases play a dramatic role in the lives of teenagers today. During the course of the programme we intend to shed a light on good sexual health where such substances can be influential.