Our Programmes

We deliver a range of programmes all of which support young people to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment. Everything we do is shaped and led by the young people we work with, and our Youth Board play a key role in designing and developing our programmes. Find out more about our work below.

Compass Connect

Our Compass Connect programme provides online creative English classes and a supportive connected community for young refugees and asylum seekers all over the UK, from Cornwall to Inverness.

Our weekly Connect sessions are split into three classes for ‘Beginners’, ‘Improvers’ and ‘Empowered’ learners. All three classes utilise games, drama, and creative writing to enable learners to build their confidence with the English language and feel more able to express themselves.

Many Connect participants are new arrivals to the UK, so this programme is often the first way that young people engage with Compass.

Compass Culture

Compass Culture is our programme offering free tickets to the theatre and other cultural events for young people living in London. Thanks to our incredible partners at theatres and arts organisations across the capital, we provide free tickets and cover travel costs. We organise roughly one Compass Culture trip each month.

If you’d like to offer free tickets for our young people, please get in touch!

If you’re a young person interested in our trips, join Compass here!

Compass Projects

All our projects foster social connections and develop skills like confidence, communication, and trust in a safe environment. Through our theatre, music and film sessions, we empower young people, equipping them with transferable skills for their personal growth. Our experienced Associate Artists and facilitators lead high-quality workshops, inspiring participants to realise their potential and achieve their dreams.

We are proud to deliver projects in partnership with a range of incredible organisations and institutions. Recent partnership projects include:

  • The Freedom Academy: creative workshops and West End showcase commissioned by and in partnership with the Ambassadors Theatre Group.

  • Connections: Inverness-based theatre and mental health project with new arrivals and UASC young people, a partnership with Eden Court Theatre and Inspiring Young Voices.

  • Songs of Sanctuary: 6-month song-writing, music production and performance project with Promised Land Studios and Music Action International, culminating in a public showcase.

  • Voice Notes: international writing project, commissioned by Nottingham Trent University and leading to a book published by Palewell Press.

Professional Development Programmes

Our professional development programmes offer opportunities for young people interested in creative careers to build their skills, learn from professionals, and develop their personal practice.

Participants learn to access and use their authentic voice and to harness their creativity in a safe, welcoming and empowering space. Next Steps is our award-winning 6-month professional development programme combining theatre-based workshops, career development and 1:1 pathway support.

These programmes offer progression routes for young people who have taken part in other Compass projects. Our Ambassadors scheme and our Youth Board provide further opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills.

 

“ I searched all the books of this world, I couldn’t find a single word to describe your kindness. I will never forget this service”

— Young Person