Creating magic at Lislagan Farm: A transformative garden space for the CAN Community
A truly magical transformation is underway at Lislagan Farm, thanks to an inspiring collaboration between Splash Projects, renowned for delivering impactful social projects worldwide, and postgraduate students from Queen’s University Business School.
Over the past week, this dynamic team has come together to create an enchanting garden space, offering a safe, imaginative, and tranquil environment for the community served by the Compass Advocacy Network (CAN).
Lislagan Farm, located just outside Ballymoney, is home to CAN, a pioneering charity supporting over 450 children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges. CAN provides vital services, including day opportunities, pre-employment training, social and leisure activities, and short breaks for families across Northern Ireland.
The creation of this new garden aligns with CAN’s vision of establishing a respite village on-site, providing essential support for families in need.
This week’s project focuses on creating an extraordinary garden space, co-designed with members of the CAN community. The garden is being brought to life by the skilled hands of Splash Projects and Queen’s Business School students, whose dedication is turning the vision into reality. Alongside the garden, a new woodworking shed will house CAN’s social enterprise activities, expanding the charity’s ability to empower its members through creative and vocational opportunities.
Despite the unpredictable Northern Irish weather, including torrential rain and high winds, the determination of the day five (Friday) build team was remarkable.
Battling the elements, the team made significant strides, despite the stormy conditions.
The project is on track to be completed tomorrow, Tuesday, 22nd October 2024 when QUB will officially handover the project to CAN’s people at 3pm.
Adding to the excitement, Professor MN Ravishankar, Dean of Queen’s Business School, visited Lislagan Farm to witness the progress first-hand.
Janet Schofield, CEO of Compass Advocacy Network, shared her enthusiasm: “This is an incredible initiative, and we are beyond thrilled that Splash Projects and Queen’s Business School chose to collaborate with CAN.
“The impact on our community will be truly transformative. This magical garden and the woodworking shed will provide invaluable spaces for children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other neurodiversities - ranging in age from 8 to over 80 - along with their families and carers. We cannot wait to see it all completed. It will add even more magic to an already special place.”
As the project reaches its final stages, anticipation is building for the unveiling of the finished garden and woodworking shed - symbols of the power of community, creativity, and collaboration.