Compass doesn’t just treat addictions. We see social inclusion as a fundamental part of the work we do. Across all our services, and in our specialist inclusion provision, we seek to improve each client’s social and economic circumstances so that they have the foundations and the motivation to achieve and sustain their recovery.

For almost ten years, Compass has led the way in employability services for substance misusers. We work with Regional Development Agencies and government departments to provide pre-employment training and support, work experience and jobs for substance misusers. We also support and mentor employers, building networks of companies that recruit and retain former clients and understand the issues they face.

Compass staff routinely work with Registered Social Landlords and Housing Associations to improve access to stable accommodation for substance misusers, whether they are leaving custody, in hostels or young people in foster care. Housing and employability issues form part of case management and care planning with service users from their first interaction with our staff.

Compass also works with Prime Contractors to deliver major education, training and employment contracts as a specialist case manager for individuals with a history of substance misuse or offending. As a deliverer of high achieving employability contracts and a specialist with expert knowledge, we are able to work equally with treatment providers, criminal justice agencies and fellow subcontractors to achieve the maximum outcomes for clients.

What We Deliver

• Specific employment programmes for substance misusers including Progress2Work, Pathways to Work and Initial Steps. Our provision in Yorkshire was praised as one of the highest performing contracts in the UK.
• Specialist substance misuser and offender case management services for Prime Contractors.
• Placements in stable accommodation in partnership with Registered Social Landlords and Housing Associations.
• Job readiness training and job search support for service users.
• Motivational engagement programmes delivered in custody and the community.
• Specialist help to enable employers to implement processes and build their capacity to employ and retain former service users and ex-offenders.
• Developing and managing networks of employers including close partnership working with Local Employment Partnerships to match individuals to opportunities.
• Access to education and training programmes including Skills for Life, ESOL and essential computer skills.
• Volunteering and peer mentoring programmes designed to improve the attractiveness of clients and provide a stepping stone towards full employment.
• Coaching and advocacy for service users, backed up by peer mentors.