CAN’s new Lislagan Farm & Cottages opens creating accessible breaks, skills and opportunities
Ulster Unionist Party Leader & North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows (centre), pictured with UUP Ballymoney representative Gary Simpson (left), and (right) Scott Brown, director of CAN outside ‘The Hen House’, on Lislagan Farm
Sunday 04 October 2026
A former family farm near Ballymoney has officially begun a new chapter as an inclusive community hub offering accessible accommodation, therapeutic outdoor spaces and opportunities for people to learn new skills.
The 11-acre Lislagan Farm was purchased by Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) in 2021 and has since undergone a major transformation, with the charity developing the site to support people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity.
The official opening of Lislagan Farm & Cottages took place on Friday 2 October, with North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows and Ballymoney UUP representative Gary Simpson among those attending.
From family farm to inclusive community space
The site brings together accessible accommodation, horticulture and growing areas, a polytunnel, therapeutic and outdoor spaces, textile recycling and woodworking.
CAN says the development is intended to give people opportunities to learn skills, create, connect with others and spend time outdoors, while providing a welcoming environment for families and the wider community.
The original farmhouse, stables and barn have also been renovated to create three self-catering cottages, with accommodation designed to cater for families and groups, including people with additional needs.
Income generated through stays at the cottages will be reinvested in CAN’s work and the continued development of Lislagan.
A place where people feel included and valued
Jon Burrows MLA discovering the pleasures of tending poultry
Following the opening, Mr Burrows said:
“It was a real privilege to be at Lislagan for the official opening and to see just how much has been achieved.
“What struck me most was that this is about much more than buildings or facilities. It is about people. It is about creating somewhere people feel welcome, included and valued, and somewhere families can come together and make memories.
“CAN have taken a long-held vision and, through a huge amount of determination and hard work, turned it into something very special. Everyone involved deserves enormous credit and I wish them every success as Lislagan continues to grow.”
Mr Simpson said the transformation had been achieved through sustained work since CAN purchased the farm five years ago.
“Since purchasing the farm in 2021, CAN have worked steadily, often with limited resources, but with tremendous goodwill and support behind them.
“The end result is a place that will make a genuine difference to people and families. There is a lovely sense of peace around Lislagan, but also a real sense of purpose and opportunity.
“It was great to see it for ourselves and to hear more about the plans for the future. I look forward to seeing Lislagan Farm & Cottages go from strength to strength.”
A sustainable future for Lislagan
Health Minister Robbie Butler speaking at the official launch of CAN’s Lislagan Farm
The opening marks an important stage in CAN’s longer-term plans for the Ballymoney site, combining its charitable work with income-generating accommodation intended to help make the project more sustainable.
CAN describes the cottages as the first phase of its wider vision for an inclusive, nature-based therapeutic and respite village at Lislagan, with further development planned as the project grows.
For the staff, volunteers, supporters and wider community who have helped transform the former working farm, the opening means Lislagan can now welcome more people through its doors while generating income to support CAN’s work into the future.
