Our blog and news stories

Fandom Con 2026 is back and ready to be bigger and bolder than ever! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 23rd, from 12pm to 4pm at the ICC Belfast , right by the Belfast's stunning Waterfront. What to Expect This year, Fandom Con promises an unforgettable experience packed with: Gaming Galore: Dive into your favorite games and discover new ones. Cosplay Extravaganza: Show off your creative costumes or admire the artistry of fellow fans. Workshops: Join interactive sessions

If you have been to the Bobbin Coffee Shop located in Belfast's City Hall, you may recognise Iain’s big, cheerful grin, or have had one of his coffees. With the NOW Group, Iain has completed a Barista training course, a numeracy course, and has received support through various life events. Now, he is beginning to transition from his internal placement to a new role with the NI Hospice. Iain began volunteering in the Old School House Cafe in February. The staff and other volun

Naomi has been part of NOW Group ’s services for around five years. She began in Transition and has gradually progressed over time. She is an active member of the Kidnap social group and the cinema club. Alongside this, Naomi has worked hard on her learning, completing numeracy and literacy courses, a Retail Academy programme, and she is currently studying Customer Service Level 2 and Barista Level 1. Karen, Loaf’s Academy and Quality Coordinator, began working with Naomi in

Saffron was born at just 24 weeks gestation, weighing only 1lb 6oz. She spent 205 days in the Neonatal and Special Care Baby Units at The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. When she came home, she weighed 7lb 5oz, the equivalent of a newborn. She faced significant medical challenges, including a tracheostomy, a feeding tube, low flow oxygen, and multiple airway surgeries including a tracheoplasty at the Royal Manchester Hospital. Her ENT consultant confirmed a semi-paralysed v

A New Beginning at the Bobbin Coffee Shop Ultan began his journey with a placement at the Bobbin coffee shop in Belfast City Hall. He quickly stood out for his exceptional customer service and positive attitude. Recognising his potential, Piia, the café manager, enthusiastically recommended him when Karen, Loaf’s Academy and Quality Coordinator, was selecting candidates for the first Customer Service and Barista Academy. Piia shared that customers consistently praised him, de

James joined NOW Group in March 2025 and began a placement at the Bobbin Coffee Shop , located in Belfast City Hall. From the outset, he demonstrated clear potential, and the Bobbin staff quickly recognised his aptitude for food preparation and catering. As a result, James was recommended for further development opportunities. On 4 August, James commenced training at Loaf Academy, where he expressed a keen interest in both catering and caretaking. His motivation was clear. He

John expressed a strong interest in catering and food preparation to his key worker in July, just ahead of the commencement of the next Loaf Academy intake in August. Demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment, John joined the Food Preparation Academy on August 4th. From the outset, John showed great potential. He attended classroom sessions every Monday and completed three practical shifts each week across the Ewart Café and Loaf Café on Grosvenor Road. During his first week,

NOW Group is delighted to announce a new sponsorship agreement with Everway, a global leader in accessible and neuroinclusive technology, to support Fandom Junior, its free social programme for young people with learning difficulties, neurodivergence and autism. Everway, formerly Texthelp and n2y, creates technology that removes barriers to communication, learning and expression. Their mission is to ensure everyone can understand and be understood, Welcoming the partnership,

NOW Group proudly announce its CEO, Maeve Monaghan, has been named an Enable Advocate on the 2025 Involve Enable Role Model List, sponsored by Dow. The Involve Enable Role Model List celebrates business leaders from around the world who are championing disability inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities. The Enable Advocate category recognises individuals who are driving change both within their organisations and across wider society, settin