Dreams are coming true for ‘absolute star’ Áine

FOR the last year Áine Travers, a 22-year-old from the Tamlaght Road, has been involved with the NOW Group – an award-winning social enterprise that has recently arrived in Omagh, bringing fresh opportunities for people with learning difficulties and autism to educate themselves and broaden their horizons.

Áine, a confident and friendly young woman whose additional needs include autism, learning disability and dyslexia, recently completed a six-week training programme in Asda, with the help of NOW Group.

During the time that Áine spent in one of Tyrone’s biggest supermarkets, she came to realise that retail is something of a calling for her.

So, along with her employment officer, Marie Kerr, and other staff members at NOW Group, Áine is aiming to embark on a life in retail, ideally, by securing her dream job in Asda.

When we spoke with Áine in Now Group’s Omagh Office, The Hive (former premises of the Salad Bowl at the bottom of Market Street), she happened to be receiving yet another certificate for the completion of her fourth training academy course.

Talking with Áine and Marie, we found out firsthand about the positive impact the NOW programme has on the lives of its participants.

Áine said, “I started with NOW Group last August and recently completed the Retail Academy which consisted of six weeks theory in a class environment and then six very enjoyable weeks placement with Asda in Omagh.”

She quickly took to Asda and, by all accounts, both the public and her co-workers took to her; partly because of her personality, and partly because she was a valuable addition to the team.

“I was in Asda in the build-up to Christmas and there was a real buzz around – I was clearing out cardboard boxes, serving customers at the till, and helping people find items to stock their Christmas cupboards.

“The work I did with NOW Group and Marie really helped me do my job well in Asda and it helped my confidence.”

And, on top of getting bitten by the retail bug, Áine made some genuine connections in her time there.

“I got on well with my co-workers, especially Dayna,” said Áine.

“If I had any questions while I was out stacking the shelves, putting away the boxes, or manning the till, she was there to answer them.”

But, from speaking with Marie, Áine’s progress shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“Áine has completed our retail academy, catering academy, employability course and a personal development academy.

“She’s proven she is a real asset to any business; she is well-qualified, she has great practical experience, and she understands the importance of customer service.

“She is an absolute star and she is job-ready – it is about finding the right job now. Our priority is still retail and our number one choice is still Asda.”

But beyond the world of work, which shines brightly on Áine’s horizon, when we spoke with her she was looking forward to her first night at NOW Group’s recently-launched, participant-driven social group.

“Tonight is a board game night, but we all get to make suggestions for activities in following weeks.

“I’m going to put an art evening forward because I love painting and animation – I find it nice and therapeutic.”

l NOW have manifold courses and services for people of diverse needs and abilities. Speak with the helpful staff to get the full picture. If anybody would like to get involved, doing so is straightforward and simple. You don’t have to worry about any laborious referral procedure or application processes. Just contact Niamh, the local service and development manager, on 07394 565136, or email her at niamh.jones@nowgroup.org.