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Compass Advocacy Network (CAN), a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity, is taking its inclusive mission to the next level thanks to Full Fibre broadband from Fibrus.
CAN works with 575 children and adults with learning disabilities, autism and neurodiversity across the North Coast, helping them realise their potential in work, social and community activities – in every aspect of their lives.
In 2021, CAN expanded its work with Lislagan Farm, an 11-acre site on the outskirts of Ballymoney, providing presentations, workshops, and educational visits where participants can grow their own produce. Future plans for the farm include animal therapy, a farm shop, and a wellbeing village.
“ said Jane Schofield, CEO of CAN.
“Engaging with Fibrus from the outset of our plans when we moved on site meant we could be assured of getting the best possible broadband.”
CAN had struggled to find a broadband provider capable of delivering the speeds required for the farm at an affordable price. Following an initial site survey, Fibrus installed a Full Fibre gigabit connection quickly, ensuring the farm had high-speed broadband before renovations began.
“Having reliable Full Fibre from the start has made a huge difference. Architects and builders could access plans remotely during development and now our youth groups can now vlog and stream for social campaigns,” Jane explained. “It has really opened up opportunities for everyone involved with CAN.”
Future plans for the farm include introducing animal therapy, opening a farm shop, and developing a respite village, all of which will benefit from a strong, reliable connection.
Linda McKendry, CAN Director of Services, added: “Connecting to Full Fibre broadband with the help of Fibrus has been essential to the farm’s recent transformation, supporting the next stage of growth and development for Lislagan Farm. Thanks to Fibrus, we can now have the peace of mind that our future project plans won’t be hindered by a poor connection. The team has also been able to take advantage of hybrid working for the first time ever, which is something we never thought we would be able to say.”
CAN’s wider work also includes the Bazaar, a retail chain of three shops in Ballymoney, Ballymena and Coleraine selling preloved clothing, accessories, and works by local crafters.
Lislagan Farm was one of the 81,000 premises across Northern Ireland connected to Full Fibre broadband through Fibrus’ delivery of Project Stratum. This venture, backed by the Department for the Economy, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the UK Government, focused on connecting previously underserved rural people and communities to reliable Full Fibre broadband.
In August 2025, to celebrate the end of Project Stratum, CAN welcomed Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald on a visit to see the difference Full Fibre is making in helping this charity serve its local community.
Commenting on the major infrastructure project, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald said: “High quality internet access is vital for our economy and wider society. Supported by over £200m investment from both the public and private sector, Project Stratum has made gigabit services available to 81,000 premises across the north, particularly in rural areas. It has improved our broadband coverage across the north, supporting our businesses, our people and our communities, enabling our daily activities from how we shop, study and work, to how we access services.”
To find out if Full Fibre broadband is available in your area, and how it could benefit you, visit https://hyperfastni.com/check-availability/