‘I felt I was getting nowhere when applying for jobs … now I’m starting a new chapter’

The NOW Group held its inaugural graduation event at Dublin City Hall last week, with 34 neurodiverse and autistic participants from across Dublin graduating from its training academies.

The participants graduated in core industries including digital and catering, each of which equipped participants with tangible skills, experience and qualifications.

Amy Dowley (26), from Rialto, didn’t know where to turn to after her Leaving Cert and after months of applying for jobs, felt like she was getting nowhere.

Thanks to her participation with the NOW Group, she is now employed with Circle K.

“I’m finally starting my new chapter in my life and I’m really glad,” Ms Dowley told the Irish Independent.

“After I finished my Leaving Cert, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought I wanted tattoo design or something like that because I’m very good at drawing.

“I went to a college in Sandymount called Roslyn and I did a two-year retail course there. I enjoyed doing the course, it was very good. After I finished that I went to a college called Pierce College and did a woodwork course for a few years.

“As part of my retail course, we had to work in a café. I went to The Loaf Café in Kilmainham and the manager, Kieran, introduced me to Brian from the NOW Group.

“Brian and I started talking. He asked me what subjects I did in college, all my hobbies and what I would like to achieve from joining the NOW group. That’s how it all started.

“It was great being part of the NOW Group. I got to meet so many different people. I gained a lot of confidence in myself and put myself out there. I definitely have made friends.

“I got to meet a lot of people like the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the President of Ireland. I never thought I would ever do something like that at all.

“They helped me get a job. I’m working part time now in Circle K and it’s all thanks to the NOW Group. They really gave me the confidence to go for the job and it was a fantastic opportunity when I got the call to say I got the job.

“Down the line, maybe I’ll get a full-time job. I’m enjoying being with Circle K,” she added.

Amy received her OCN Level 1 in Vocational Skills at the NOW Group graduation, where she spoke about her journey to over 100 people.

Josh Byrne from Irishtown was crowned as Participant of the Year at the event. After taking part in the NOW Group catering academy, Josh is now a valued team at the Patriot’s Inn in Kilmainham.

Last year, the NOW Group launch coincided with the news that the European Disability Forum had named Ireland as the worst country in Europe for people with disabilities in employment (32.5pc). This is well below the European average of 51pc.

They believe more services are required to close this gap, and academies for people with neurodiverse conditions are the first step in helping to deliver opportunities for all within the workplace.

Maeve Monaghan, NOW Group CEO, said: “We are so proud of our participants for their commitment and enthusiasm and are confident that this is just the first cohort of many who will graduate from our academies in the years to come.

“We are committed to delivering the full remit of NOW Group services for people with intellectual disabilities across Ireland. In just one year, our team has demonstrated the impact the NOW Group delivers, but there’s so much more to do.”

John Gordon, Chair of NOW Group, added: “The impact that the NOW Group is delivering in Northern Ireland is significant. In 2023-24, this amounted to support for 1,800 participants, and 257 jobs secured.

“This is our vision for Ireland. We will build our services and deliver jobs with purpose for those with learning disabilities and autism.

“After just one year, I’m delighted to hear that many of our graduates already have roles secured, including Josh, our Participant of the Year, who’s now employed in catering.

“Neurodiverse individuals bring a unique set of strengths and perspectives to the table, and our vision is ambitious.

“We hope that NOW Group academies will deliver skills for over 1,000 participants in Ireland in the next four years and are determined to build strong partnerships with forward-thinking businesses that embrace all abilities,” he added.

To support its ambitions, the NOW Group has just opened its first office in Dublin, with a team of six including Regional Manager, Jessica Conlon.