'Our biggest asset is our people': NOW Group rallies Derry schools to protect youth support
NOW Group’s Mark Hylands praises local schools and charities while calling on Stormont politicians to deliver a fair budget
Neurodiverse school leavers across Derry City and County Derry are being urged to kickstart their futures by enrolling in a transformative training initiative.
The Skills for Life and Work programme, operating out of the Embassy Building in Derry, offers young people with additional support needs a clear pathway to employment, independence, and personal success after they leave the classroom.
To strengthen these vital transitional links, NOW Group representatives Mark Hylands and Paul Thompson recently met with Karen McAvoy, the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Lisneal College, to showcase the unique opportunities available to local students.
Mark explained more about the visit: “It was an absolute privilege to get a tour of Lisneal College with Karen, and to see their young people make use of the fantastic facilities on offer to neurodiverse students.
“The main highlight was seeing happy young people engaging and learning from their committed staff.”
Karen McAvoy commented that Lisneal College was passionate about their pupils not only during their study at school but also engaging in the crucial prospects available to them when they transition away from school.
Mark and Paul from the NOW Group were visiting Lisneal College to share the opportunities for neurodiverse young people on the Skills for Life and Work programme.
The Skills for Life and Work programme is a three-year course, which supports young people aged 16 – 21 or 24 if they have been in care, who have additional support needs.
These needs can include disabilities, Autism or ADHD and anyone who received Special Educational Needs support in school.
Participants can choose a main area of study in retail, hospitality, creative media, or ICT as they develop confidence, independence, and employability skills through the programme.
Across all pathways, they will work towards qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs, complete Essential Skills in Maths, English, and ICT and gain practical work experience in their chosen area.
Participants also will receive £40 weekly training allowance and travel reimbursement when taking part in the programme.
Mark is currently visiting local schools and community groups in Derry, Strabane and Limavady to offer support to neurodiverse young people as they transition between school and work or further study.
He said: “My engagement with schools to date, which includes Oakgrove Integrated College, Foyle College, St Mary’s College, St Brigid’s College and St Joseph’s Boys School, as well as with community and charity groups such as Dunluce Family Centre, Newgate Arts and Cultural Centre, Inspire, Extern and the Western Trust, have been massively encouraging.
“The biggest asset that we have in Derry is our people.
“To see so many organisations, professionals and volunteers working tirelessly to support our young people and families can only contribute to all in our community including neurodiverse people thriving in the future.
“Unfortunately, as we all know, our services across education, health, community and youth groups continue to feel the pinch in terms of resources and finance as society as a whole endures rising costs.
“The reality is that at a time of ever stretched resources, the volume of support needed rises.
“That is why myself and my colleagues in all the organisations that I have mentioned across the city are so keen to build a network and work together for the betterment of all of our service users.
“People need our support and I hope that our politicians in Stormont can match the collaboration by so many good people in this city and agree a budget which can deliver for all of Northern Ireland.”
If you are 16 - 21 years old, neurodiverse, and would like to learn more about how the NOW Group can support you, contact Mark on 07743 933575 or [email protected].