CAN celebrates Lislagan opening

New cottages will generate income for the charity’s work as families and members share stories of support, opportunity and independence.

Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) has officially opened Lislagan Farm and Cottages near Ballymoney, celebrating a major milestone in its ambition to build lasting support and opportunities for people with learning disabilities and their families.

Health Minister Robbie Butler joined members, families, staff, volunteers, funders and community partners for the opening on Friday 02 October. The celebration marked almost five years since CAN purchased the 11-acre farm and the launch of three self-catering cottages whose income will be reinvested in the charity’s work.

The refurbishment of the cottages was funded by Ulster Garden Villages, LFT Charitable Foundation, the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund and Community Finance Ireland. Their support has helped transform the original farmhouse, stables and barn into welcoming accommodation that will contribute to CAN’s long-term sustainability.

Set in the North Antrim countryside, Lislagan has become the beating heart of CAN, a charity which supports more than 650 children and adults, alongside their families and carers. The farm brings together services, outdoor activities, learning, volunteering and community partnerships in a place where people can connect, contribute and belong.

Janet Schofield, Chief Executive of CAN, said:

“When we bought Lislagan almost five years ago, we were coming out of COVID. Life had changed enormously for the children and adults we support, and for their families. We knew that space to breathe, spend time outdoors and connect with nature could make a real difference."

Today, we are celebrating what people have helped us build - a place where people can feel at home, make friends, learn and contribute. At CAN, we talk about growing our roots. We want a child who comes to us at eight to know that CAN will still be here for them when they are 80. That is the future we are working towards.

The opening of Lislagan Cottages adds a new social enterprise to that vision, welcoming families, groups and visitors from the wider public. Income from bookings will support CAN’s services and activities, subsidised family breaks and the continued development of the farm.

Each cottage honours someone whose contribution helped shape CAN. Iris’ Cottage is named for founder, self-advocate and friend Iris McFetridge; Hayley’s Nook honours member and friend Hayley Allen; and Moody’s Barn honours volunteer and friend David Moody.

Janet added:

The cottages are not separate from CAN’s work; they are part of it. Every booking will help us sustain services, support families and create opportunities.

“We are grateful to the McFetridge, Allen and Moody families for allowing us to honour people who meant so much to CAN. Every stay will help keep their memories alive while supporting the organisation’s future."

“We also want to recognise Ulster Garden Villages, LFT Charitable Foundation, the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund and Community Finance Ireland for making the refurbishment possible. Their investment has helped us create something that will benefit the people and families we support for years to come.”

Guests heard first-hand about CAN’s impact from parent Wendy Gallagher and long-standing member Ursula Campbell.

Wendy spoke about the challenges of parenting her son Andrew, for whom CAN has been a lifeline since he was eight. As Andrew approaches his teenage years, she described how having CAN alongside them helps her feel less alone in navigating the challenges ahead.

Ursula, who joined CAN at 20 and is now in her forties, reflected on how its programmes had opened doors and created opportunities she had never imagined would be available to her. She shared a significant milestone: with CAN’s support, she had moved into her own flat during the week of the opening, living independently for the first time.

Speaking at the event, Minister Butler reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that people with learning disabilities are not forgotten, particularly those moving beyond school at 19.

He spoke passionately about the need for organisations such as CAN to work in partnership with Health and Social Care Trusts and other public bodies, ensuring that children and adults alike receive support and opportunities throughout their lives.

Referring to Wendy and Andrew’s experience, the Minister highlighted the determination of mothers advocating for their children and encouraged CAN to keep doing what it is doing and to keep fighting for the most vulnerable.

The celebration recognised the collective effort behind Lislagan, with thanks to members, families, carers, staff, volunteers, Board members, funders, businesses, donors and community partners.

Alongside the cottage funders, CAN acknowledged the wider organisations recognised in its opening-day leaflet and everyone who contributed to its crowdfunding campaigns and appeals. Special recognition was given to the Fleming and Allen families, whose fundraising turned personal tragedies into lasting support for others.

CAN’s longer-term ambition is to develop Lislagan as an inclusive, nature-based therapeutic village, offering more opportunities for learning, wellbeing, respite and community connection. Further plans include five additional accommodation units, subject to securing funding.

Janet concluded:

“Lislagan is the result of a shared vision and a huge amount of determination. Whenever we met a hurdle, people stepped forward to help us over it.

“Most of all, this celebration belongs to the children and adults we support, and to their families. They are why we kept going through the difficult days, and why we will keep building for the future.”

Ciara Davidson, Director of Transformation and Governance, ICC Belfast, said:

"Being here for the official opening of CAN's Lislagan Farm and cottages is incredibly heartwarming. Back in April, 40 volunteers from ICC Belfast travelled to Ballymoney to play a small part in transforming the outdoor spaces and gardens, guided by corporate team building and leadership development experts, SPLASH Projects."

Our team left that day feeling inspired and immensely proud of what we had achieved together. Seeing the transformation today and knowing that our contribution will make a lasting difference to those who visit Lislagan Farm makes the experience even more rewarding.

For cottage bookings and further information, visit www.lislagancottages.com.