Ambitious North East Autism Society development enters phase two

The North East Autism Society’s (NEAS) ambitious New Warlands Farm project has entered phase two of its development. 

Part of our ongoing Growing Futures appeal, the second phase of development will see several new buildings erected – including a cider mill, a farm shop, and a café.

NEAS Chief Executive, Paul McGinnety, believes the project is so much more than just a visitor attraction – it’s a source of pride for the North East:

“This isn’t just about a café and a farm, it’s about those life skills that will equip people to move into meaningful employment, with New Warlands Farm helping to grow many careers.

“It will provide a safe space for people to come and visit, and it will also give us an opportunity to really look at the local ecosystem with what we’re going to grow and produce. This development is a source of pride not just for us as a charity but for the whole region.

“All credit to everybody who’s been involved from day one. The construction team who are doing a fantastic job, all the supporters who have helped make it viable, and the trustees who had the vision to support such an ambitious, groundbreaking project.”

The development, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, brings together Mulberry Construction Group as the construction company, BDN Ltd as architects, and Turner and Townsend as consultants.

Dan Mason, a 34-year-old neurodivergent man from Newcastle, is a shining example of how the development is already having an impact on employment.

Dan had worked in warehouses, kitchens, and factories but none had proved to be the right working environment.

A work coach at the Jobcentre referred Dan to the Working Together NE programme, delivered in partnership by our Employment Futures service, and Azure Charitable Foundation.

As a result, Dan has now found meaningful employment doing what he loves – working with machinery on the farm.

Under the guidance of Farm Manager, Dave Wilde, Dan is progressing towards a Level 2 NVQ to operate more machinery.

He said: