The Silence Farm met an increasing social need.
Sales and new mission
Even though the need for silence, slowing down and introspection is huge, BZN choose to sell the domain of the Silence Farm at the beginning of 2019 to the non-profit organizations Footstep and Bermhertigheid Jesu. As a result, the mission and the name of the farm changed. The silence aspect was abandoned and under the name 'De Grote Wateringhe' the place was operated as a social enterprise where parties could be organized.
Plans for change of destination
Beginning 2025, one of the current owners of the Silence Farm applied to the City of Damme asking to eliminate the ‘care function’ with the intention of selling the place.
Preservation in the public interest
If this zoning change had been allowed, the way would be open for the domain to pass into the hands of a private individual. As we strive for the structural preservation of this place in the public interest and more specifically in the interest of the social care that must be paid for to the mental well-being of our population, we asked not to allow this . We were relieved when we received the announcement that the city of Damme councel rejected the call. That way proving their ethical sensitivity and care for the community.
Collaboration for the future
To save the aim of the former Silence Farm for the future the non-profit organization Silence@Work is joining forces with dr. Sam Deltour, head physician and psychiatrist within Bermhertigheid Jesu. Every day Sam is confronted with the effects of a stressed society. Sam has had a unique connection to the place since childhood. read more about dr. Sam Deltour.