About Compass

Compass is a leading national provider of services to tackle problem drug and alcohol use. Each year, we help thousands of people to break the cycle of their dependency and live stable and productive drug free lives.

Formed in York in 1986, Compass has grown into a major national player in the drug and alcohol treatment sector with 25 services across the country. Today, we have a turnover of £9M, employ around 250 people and support more than 15,000 adults and young people towards recovery each year.

Care throughout the journey

We provide care that spans all stages of the journey to recovery, from interventions that focus on the practical and immediate needs of people in chaotic life situations, to support for people to re-enter the social mainstream via employment, housing, education and training. We are a major provider of open access and drop in services, community prescribing, shared care and detoxification, structured day programmes and young people’s substance misuse services.

Working With Diverse Groups

Our wide range of services provide structured and unstructured programmes for diverse groups, including young people, BME drug users, crack users, drug using offenders, the homeless and families. We work with young people, families and adults in custody and the community.

A major factor in the growth of Compass has been the delivery of individual and personalised care through expert case management. We understand substance misusers and work hard to give them the confidence and motivation they need to achieve a lasting and sustainable recovery. Our service users own and take control of care journeys that are ambitious but achievable.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality

We are known for our commitment to innovation and quality which has served to build durable partnerships with our commissioners. Each Compass service is locally responsive and designed to work in partnership with other agencies, delivering in tandem, the components of a comprehensive and continuous programme of care.

We see ourselves as part of the wider treatment system and constantly seek ways to improve its overall effectiveness and value for money. We work hard to build partnerships with other treatment providers and agencies that give drug and alcohol user every opportunity to reach their goals and to achieve lasting outcomes for themselves and communities.

Coverage Throughout England

The coverage of our services provides access points to treatment and rehabilitation services across the United Kingdom and enhances options for integrating care between community based services and services operating within the criminal justice system.

Operations are organised in three regions, under the leadership of the Area Directors for the North, Midlands and London and the South East. A fourth specialist directorate for quality and clinical governance is led by our Clinical Director.