We support people who are neurodiverse, autistic, have ADHD, learning disability or learning difficulty and you can find our offices in Belfast, Dublin, L’Derry, Enniskillen and Omagh. We operate across Northern Ireland as well as the counties of Donegal, Dublin, Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath delivering innovative programmes and services list below
1. Employment Support Programmes & Training Jobs Academies (Age 16+)
We provide participant-led, tailored support for those seeking sustainable employment. Each participant in our academies is assigned an employment officer who guides them throughout their journey. Participants must be aged 16+ and not be in full-time education.
Our jobs and training academies offer:
-
One-to-one support
-
Group activities
-
Job clubs, CV writing and interview preparation
-
Route travel training
-
Accredited qualifications
-
Individual work placements
-
Workplace adjustments depending on disability
Our employment officers are located in all council areas of N.Ireland and in Dublin, which means we can support participants in their local communities. Online meetings are available for those who require them.
2. NOW Connects (Age 18+)
People who are neurodivergent, autistic, have ADHD or a learning disability can improve their skillset in NOW Connects. You will develop your confidence and independence – and have increased awareness of your health and wellbeing.
Providing a positive and nurturing learning environment, this structured pre-employment initiative equips participants with all they need to progress into voluntary roles, work placements or supported employment services.
We provide training in basic literacy, numeracy and ICT skills along with soft skills training including money management, time awareness and being able to travel independently.
To be eligible for a place, you must be aged 18+ and engaging with the relevant N.Ireland Health Trusts or the HSE in Ireland.
3. Get In-Work Support
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. Social Groups
Our social groups provide a safe environment for participants to socialise and engage in activities they enjoy, including drama, art, creative writing, football, and Fandom.
6. 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.
7. Family Service Programme
Family Service Programme This NOW Group service supports families with a parent who has autism, ADHD, a learning difficulty or neurodiverse condition and is expecting a baby or has children up to the age of five.
It offers:
-
Tailored one-to-one support
-
Confidence building and parental development skills
-
Peer support opportunities to delveop positive relationship
-
Access to training, volunteering, and job services
-
Currently only available to families living in N.Ireland
8. JAM Card® – the easy way to let people know you need ‘Just A Minute’ of help
People can’t always tell just by looking at someone if they have a disability or health condition – which makes it much harder to know if they need help.
If asking for assistance is something you worry about, then JAM Card® will ease your anxiety and make day-to-day life, whether at work or out and about, easier to navigate.
Developed for and by people with disabilities, it is a discreet way to break down communication barriers. As soon as you show your JAM Card®, other people know you need a ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support and are trained to provide that.
JAM Card® is available either as a physical card or digital App, which means users choose when they show their JAM Card®. It is also available as a lanyard.