Our numbers speak for themselves, in the last 3 years
958
People into paid jobs
5,381
Qualifications achieved
5,946
Participants supported
Evan and his Mum Natasha
Natasha ‘Just two weeks after joining NOW Connects in Dublin, Evan was much more confident and found it easier to talk to friends. Now, he wants to get a job in a shop’
Gareth
‘Working for six hours a day, three days a week, I wasn’t used to it, but now I’m more used to it and I would definitely say I am ready to go into the world of work.’
Mavoureen
“Thanks to the NOW Group I’ve been working in the MAC in Belfast for two years and love it!”
NOW Group participant services
1. NOW Connects (Aged 18+)
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Improve your skillset and progress into voluntary roles, work placements or supported employment services.
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Training in basic literacy, numeracy and ICT skills plus soft skills training including money management, time awareness and independent travel
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To be eligible, you must be aged 18+ and engaging with the relevant N.Ireland Health Trusts or the HSE in Ireland.
Skills Programmes
Our Skills Programmes support individuals to transition from school to Further Education or Employment, focusing on building skills & connections.
2. Employment Support Programmes and Training & Job Academies (Age 16+)
Accredited training and job opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, ICT, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Carbon Literacy, Green Skills, Essential Skills and more...
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Work placement providing on-the-job experience.
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CV writing, interview preparation and route travel training
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Social groups, plus health and wellbeing activities
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Enterprise initiatives to support those interested in starting their own business
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Disability workplace adjustments
3. Get In-Work Support (Age 16+)
Our In-Work Support Programme helps employees with health conditions and disabilities thrive in their employment. It is tailored to individual needs and offers varying levels of support.
It also provides advice and guidance to both employees and employers regarding reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
4. Award-Winning Accredited Training
NOW Group’s training programmes are recognised as among Europe’s best and offer a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses aimed at boosting employment opportunities.
All students on our college accredited courses get work placements which means they benefit from combining theoretical learning with practical on-the-job experience. Participants like being in a real workplace, find it motivating and the industry-specific skills invaluable.
Our non-accredited courses improve employment prospects. They focus on professional development and personal skills, building in independence and resilience.
5. Available as a physical card, phone App or lanyard at www.jamcard.org
People can’t always tell just by looking at someone if they need have a disability or health condition and need a little extra assistance.
JAM Card is an easy and discreet way to break down communication barriers.
Show your JAM Card to people and they will instantly know you need ‘Just A Minute’ of support and are trained to provide it.
6. Social Groups
Make friends while enjoying activities including drama, art, creative writing and football.
Or you could join Fandom, our hugely popular social forum specifically designed for young adults with autism and neurodiverse conditions.
With adult and Fandom Juniors groups island-wide, it lets people connect over shared interests in gaming, comics and movies.
Check our website for events near you.
7. Fandom
Fandom is a social forum specifically designed for young adults with autism and neurodiverse conditions. Started in 2015 by one of our members, this hugely popular platform lets people connect over shared interests in gaming, comics and movies. NOW Group has supported the growth of Fandom and there are now adult groups and Fandom Juniors groups across the country. In 2023 Fandom launched Fandom Con, a gaming and cosplay convention which has been featured across N.Ireland media and in Dublin. An instant hit, it proved so popular that organisers had to move it to a larger venue. Open to all ages and interests, more than 1,000 enthusiastic attendees attended the most recent event. Check our website for events near you.