Transforming Lives at Lislagan: Building Northern Ireland’s First Nature-Based Respite Village

Thursday 10 July 2025

Lislagan Farm: Building a Future Where No One Is Left Behind

Imagine a place where families facing the toughest challenges can find rest, hope, and a community that truly cares. At Lislagan Farm, just outside Ballymoney, this vision is becoming a reality—thanks to the relentless passion and ingenuity of Compass Advocacy Network (CAN).

A Crisis of Care
Across Northern Ireland, families caring for loved ones with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health challenges are at breaking point. The shortage of accessible, tailored respite services is not just a gap—it’s a crisis. As Wendy Gallagher, mum of Andrew, powerfully shares in a recent video, “Families like mine are at breaking point. There simply aren’t enough respite services available, and when you do get a place, it’s often not tailored to the needs of our children or adults. The emotional and physical toll on carers is immense, and the lack of support can lead to family breakdown.”

Her words echo the experiences of countless others. The recent BBC Spotlight documentary, “I Am Not OK,” laid bare the devastating impact of this crisis, revealing families pushed to the brink and a system struggling to respond.

CAN: A Bold, Creative Force for Change
In the face of funding cuts and systemic challenges, CAN refuses to wait for others to fix the problem. Instead, they are taking control of their destiny, building a future where essential services are not just preserved—but expanded and improved. With over 25 years of experience, CAN is a beacon of innovation, inclusion, and community spirit.

Their latest venture? Transforming Lislagan Farm into Northern Ireland’s first-ever nature-based respite village. This is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a sanctuary where individuals and families can find peace, support, and new opportunities.

The Power of Partnership and Innovation
Lislagan Farm is already a thriving hub for therapeutic interventions, vocational training, and social enterprise. The next phase—refurbishing the original stone cottage into accessible respite accommodation and a vibrant community space—will provide a lifeline for families in desperate need of a break. It will also offer training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, empowering them to build skills, confidence, and independence.

But CAN’s vision goes even further. They are pioneering a model of care that is holistic, inclusive, and sustainable—one that could inspire similar projects across the country. By leveraging partnerships, generating their own income through social enterprises, and involving beneficiaries in every stage of design, CAN is building a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

A Call to Action: Join Us on This Journey
This is a story of resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment. It’s about refusing to accept the status quo and daring to dream bigger. As Wendy Gallagher reminds us, “We need to do something now, not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.”

Right now, CAN has a Crowdfunder open to help meet a shortfall in funding for this transformative project. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to making Lislagan Farm’s respite village a reality—and ensuring that no family is left behind.

Get Involved
If you would like to hear more about CAN’s work or would like to get involved, please contact Janet Schofield via email at janet@compasspeople.org or phone CAN on 028 2752 3053.

Together, we can build a future where everyone belongs. Join us at Lislagan Farm—where hope is growing, and change is happening now.

Thursday 10 July 2025