NØW is providing Smart Solutions in Tough Times

Having a job is as important to people with learning difficulties as everyone else. It not only provides financial reward and spending power for the individual but also enables many other positive gains, including social networks, improved status, increased confidence and self-esteem, whilst providing a structured and meaningful lifestyle.

The labour market has traditionally marginalised and excluded people with disabilities; NØW, through its Employment Service, uses the model of Supported Employment to support people with learning difficulties into paid job opportunities. We are providing smart solutions in these tough economic times.

The labour market has traditionally marginalised and excluded people with disabilities; NØW, through its Employment Service, uses the model of Supported Employment to support people with learning difficulties into paid job opportunities. We are providing smart solutions in these tough economic times.

NØW runs three services: training, employment support and social economy businesses. These include: 

• An award-winning Training Service providing a range of vocational and essential skills based courses
• An innovative Transition Service working with young school leavers
• An Employment Service which works with people with learning difficulties and local employers to get the perfect job match

Each year NØW hosts a graduation event to celebrate the success of the people who have accessed its Training Service. This year 75 Graduates attended the Graduation Ceremony in Belfast Castle. 

Also recognised were NØW’s six special achievement awards, presented to individuals who made exceptional effort to achieve their qualifications, as well as the NØW Employer of the Year Award, which was picked up by The Black Box

“NØW are always keen to build links with local employers and it gives us great pleasure to acknowledge The Black Box, as a company truly committed to promoting equality within their business,” said Pam Hunter, Acting CEO, NØW.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates at the ceremony, JJ McQuade stated, “My life has changed considerably since joining NØW.  I had hoped to learn new things, experience work and make friends with new and interesting people.  In the past six months all these things have happened and I’m well on my way to making my dream of securing paid employment a reality.”

NØW delivers Workable and New Deal for Disabled People. “We are delighted that Dolores Kelly, Chair of the DEL Assembly Committee came to support our event, it demonstrates the recognition
of the importance of the service we are providing” stated NØW’s Chair, Seamus O’Prey: “So often people with learning difficulties miss out on the graduation ceremonies experienced by their brothers and sisters but we at NØW are very conscious of the hard work and dedication of our students.  We feel that this is an excellent platform on which to raise awareness about the educational milestones reached by local people with disabilities on their way to getting paid jobs in their
local communities.” 

NØW runs two social enterprise businesses to help with sustainability and provide valuable work experience:

Loaf Catering includes three busy cafes and corporate catering delivery service full details can be found on www.loafcatering.com

Gauge enables organisations to understand measure and communicate their value using the model of Social Return on Investment (SROI). It aims to standardise the measuring of social value, allow social enterprises and other third sector organisations to articulate the value they create through their activities, and enable social investors and commissioners of public services to make more intelligent investment or purchasing decisions.  www.gaugeni.co.uk

NØW works in partnership with The Orchardville Society, Belfast and Stepping Stones, Lisburn and receives funding from Big Lottery Fund, European Social Fund, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust,
Disablement Advisory Service & Social Economy Fund.

For more information, contact 028 9043 6400 or visit our web site www.nowproject.co.uk

Watch a short video from the NØW project....