October 5, 2026
A special outdoor space has been unveiled at Mountfern Adult Centre in Coleraine as the facility celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The transformed garden area, which includes a new seating area, a barbecue, pizza oven and a specially designed swing, was created through the generosity of Warren Smyth, whose son Henry attends the centre, along with support from his former work colleagues at NI Water, Lowry Construction and a number of local businesses.
The project began when Warren, who recently retired from NI Water after a career as an engineer, decided he would rather leave a lasting gift to Mountfern than receive a traditional retirement present.
Working alongside former colleagues, contractors and local firms, Warren helped bring together the skills, materials and funding needed to completely transform an underused outdoor area into a welcoming social space for service users.
Describing what happened as similar to television DIY SOS challenges, Manager Michael Bacon said: “Warren approached us with the idea of creating something special for Mountfern as part of his retirement and, to be honest, my initial thought was ‘how are we going to do all that.
“Thanks to Warren, his former colleagues and the businesses who supported the project, the area has been completely transformed. The work included landscaping and tarmacking, outdoor furniture, a barbecue, pizza oven and an accessible swing for people with mobility difficulties.
“It provides our service users with many more opportunities to spend time outdoors, socialise and take part in activities, particularly during the better weather. The whole area is more welcoming and has enhanced our garden space enormously.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved, not only for their generosity, but also for the time and effort they dedicated to making this happen.”
The project coincides with a significant milestone for Mountfern, which is celebrating 50 years of supporting adults with learning disabilities across the Coleraine area.
Michael added: “Mountfern has grown significantly over the past 50 years, from a small centre supporting around 20 people to the service we have today, with more than 70 service users attending on a daily basis. Having this enhanced outdoor space is a wonderful way to mark our anniversary year and will benefit service users for many years to come.”
For Warren, the scheme was an opportunity to thank the centre for the support it has provided to Henry and his family.
He said: “When I retired, my colleagues wanted to give me a leaving present. I didn’t really need anything to be honest, so we came up with the idea of doing something for Mountfern instead. My son Henry comes here and we have seen first-hand the difference the centre has made to his life.
“When Henry turned 18, we weren’t sure what would happen for him. But after starting here we have watched him grow and develop into a confident young man. The support he has received has been fantastic.
“This project was a chance to give something back. The new outdoor area gives service users somewhere to relax, socialise and enjoy activities together. Whether it’s using the barbecue, the pizza oven or simply spending time outside, it’s a space that everyone can benefit from.
“Seeing the finished result and the enjoyment it will bring makes all the hard work worthwhile.”