CAN Can

02/09/2026

We are delighted to be featured in the Coleraine Chronicle following the opening of our new CAN Base at The Diamond, Coleraine 🏠

Looking back at the before and after photos, it is incredible to see how much work has gone into transforming the old bank building into a welcoming, accessible space for our members, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

What was once a vacant building is now a vibrant community hub where people can connect, learn, build confidence, and access support. We have truly made this space our home, and our members tell us how much they love being right in the heart of Coleraine.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this move possible. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited about what the future holds in our new base 👏❤

02/09/2026

A wee share to help spread awareness. The more we understand pica, the better we can support individuals and families affected by it 💚

Pica Awareness Day NI & Ireland

31/08/2026

What a day! ⚽

Staff versus Members finished level at 5:5 after a fantastic match full of energy and team spirit. The winner had to be decided on penalties, and our members held their nerve to take the victory, 6:5!

What a game, and what a brilliant display of teamwork from everyone involved. Congratulations to our champions! 💙

28/08/2026

We're proud to support the launch of Issue 1 of The Bytes Reporter! 🎉

A fantastic opportunity for young people to share their voices, experiences and achievements. Well done to everyone involved, and thank you to Translink Youth Forum for a brilliant event at Lislagan Farm 🙌

📰✨ Introducing Issue 1 of The Bytes Reporter! ✨📰

Created by our Youth Voice Committee in Ballymoney, The Bytes Reporter is a space for our young people to share their experiences, opinions, achievements and the things that matter to them. 🗣️💜

Issue 1 features a brilliant article on our recent Translink Youth Forum event at Lislagan Farm, where our Bytes Ballymoney young people teamed up with CAN (Compass Advocacy Network) to share their views, have their voices heard and enjoy a fantastic evening together. 🚌💬🌟

A huge shoutout to the Translink Youth Forum Regional Group, who were fantastic in making the event interactive, immersive and, most importantly, fun! 🙌🎉

Have a read and hear directly from our young people! 👏💜

27/08/2026

A huge thank you to Agivey Cycling Club for choosing CAN as the charity partner for this year's Tae in the Pot.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and all the hard work that goes into organising this fantastic event. We can't wait to be part of it and help make this year's fundraiser a great success 👏

Event link: https://eventmaster.ie/event/07extzqsA1

We are happy to announce that the chosen charity for this year's Tae in the Pot is Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) CAN Can

Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) is a user-led charity based in Ballymoney, that supports children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Operating throughout the Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid & East Antrim areas, CAN focuses on empowering individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

We’re proud to back a charity making such a direct impact right on our doorstep. Let’s make this year’s fundraiser our biggest one yet!

26/08/2026

Last year Dirty Cars Ballymoney and AMD Car Sales raised a fantastic £7,750 for CAN and our Lislagan Cottages and it's hard to believe, but the official opening is only in a few weeks time 🥹

This is a great opportunity to see the impact of their fundraising and community support.

Join the Family Fun Day on 29 August 🎉

Bring your family and friends along for a fun-filled day, meet the community, and enjoy a range of activities for all ages 🤩

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts and helped make this project possible 🙌

Come along all classic vintage vehicles welcome

Rally cars, race cars, stock cars

Stalls welcome 🤗

25/08/2026

Today was a very special day for everyone at Coleraine BASE and beyond 🤩

We officially celebrated the opening of the brand new BASE location with our members, staff, and friends. It was wonderful to see so many people together enjoying our fantastic new space.

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and celebration, but it was also a little emotional. We said farewell to our lovely Matilda as she retired from BASE, and at the same time celebrated her 84th birthday.

Matilda is truly one of a kind, a real character who has touched the lives of so many people. We will miss her dearly, but we are so grateful for all the memories she has given us.

Happy 84th Birthday, Matilda, and thank you for everything. Enjoy your retirement, you have certainly earned it and don't hesitate to say hello when you are around ❤️

25/08/2026

We're Hiring! Join our CAN Team 🤝

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) is currently recruiting for several exciting positions and we'd love to hear from you!

Current Vacancies

✅ Youth Worker
✅ Assistant Youth Worker
✅ Floating Support Worker
✅ Textile Operative (with Driving Duties)
✅ Jobs Coach - Hospitality, Retail & Horticulture

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can positively impact the lives of others, one of these opportunities could be for you.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to:

📧 [email protected]

Information packs for all positions are available on request by emailing the same address.

Find Out More ➡

All vacancies are published online: https://www.communityni.org/organisation/compass-advocacy-network-ltd-can

Closing Date

🗓️ 31 August at 12:00pm (Noon)

Please share this post with anyone who may be interested in joining our team!

24/08/2026

Dreams really do come true✨

Our Best Buddies member Joel, along with his chaperone Jonny, has begun the trip of a lifetime in the USA. Their first stop is Boston, where they are already making wonderful memories and enjoying incredible new experiences.

This is just the start of their adventure. Stay tuned for more updates and photos along the way! ✈️📸

23/08/2026

Please share!

The list below keeps getting updated and more steps added…thanks to Denise Geary for putting this together 🩵

Please note each department is seperate none have a centralised system of data. The responsibility is very much on parents/carers to organise and complete all this. Departments do not join up. Take a moment to read below what is ahead of you when your young person with disabilities turns 18….. why do we need this is exactly why 💔 ⬇️

Hi folks, this is a short ‘Turning 18 Checklist’ (Northern Ireland) for a young person with severe learning disability & no mental capacity ✔️

Just to give you an idea of the amount of work, time and energy this takes, I’ve included pics of my daughter’s file compiled since she turned 18 last year.

In England, this would be addressed in one plan/EHCP. Go Calebs Cause NI!

This is on top of countless medical appointments and trying to manage Direct Payments!

LEGAL AUTHORITY

☐ Apply for Appointeeship with
Department for Communities for PIP

☐ Confirm benefits are paid into correct account

☐ If savings / Child Trust Fund involved → contact the Office of Care and Protection
about Controllership (Short Procedure Order) - https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/forms-becoming-controller

You will also need Controllership if opening a new bank account specifically for Direct Payments for the disabled person, if they lack mental capacity-

https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/forms-becoming-controller

☐ Keep copies of legal authority letters

BENEFITS

☐ Confirm transition to
Personal Independence Payment

☐ Check award level (daily living & mobility)

☐ Doctor’s Sickline for 3 months as not capable of working (FIT note)

☐ Apply to be the appointee for Universal Credit. Check ‘Journal’ regularly and Inform benefits office of any changes

ADULT HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

☐ Confirm referral to Adult Learning Disability Team

☐ Allocated Social Worker from Learning Disability Team
(required in order to access adult services)

☐ Adult Needs Assessment completed by LD Consultant Psychiatrist; Social Worker; LD Nurse; SALT; Behaviour Support etc

☐ Written care/support plan received and Direct Payments account changed to young person’s name (- need Short Procedure Order’ from the Office of Care & Protection.)

☐ Request Carer’s Assessment (separate from child’s)

☐ Discuss respite provision, if appropriate

☐ Begin long-term housing discussion (even if for the future)

HEALTH

☐ On GP Learning Disability Register

☐ Annual Health Check booked & Health Check Certificate

☐ Hospital Passport updated & set up My Care App (with little ID 🙈)

☐ Medication reviewed by Consultant Psychiatrist

SAFEGUARDS

☐ Complete Mental Capacity assessment and check care arrangements comply with
Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. Deprivation of Liberty/DoL may be required.

☐ Ask Trust if formal authorisation required for
24-hour supervision / restrictions

EDUCATION (IF APPLICABLE)

☐ Transition planning meeting held

☐ Adult services attending reviews

☐ Plan in place for when education ends and discussions regarding transition to new placement

FUTURE PLANNING

☐ Will reviewed / updated

☐ Consider Disabled Person’s Trust (if relevant)

☐ Emergency contact plan written

☐ Key documents folder organised:
• Birth certificate
• National Insurance number
• Diagnosis letters
• PIP award
• Appointeeship / Controllership
• Care plans & all LD assessments

Top 5 Priorities
1. ☐ Appointeeship
2. ☐ Check need for Controllership
3. ☐ Social Worker allocated
4. ☐ Adult Needs Assessment
5. ☐ Long-term planning started