Supporting Children & Young People in North Yorkshire
The aim of the Compass Phoenix service is to improve outcomes for children and young people in relation to their emotional wellbeing and mental health by strengthening the range of mental health support available to children and young people.
We offer:
- Support and interventions for children and young people aged 9-19 (and up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities) experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Support for key stages 3 and above is predominantly delivered via virtual groups, and for those under 13 we offer a digital platform. 1:1 interventions are delivered by exception where appropriate.
- Support to schools to develop a whole school approach in relation to emotional wellbeing and mental health through the delivery of training.
- Professional Consultation to school and college staff, providing advice and guidance on emotional wellbeing and mental health to help make sure that children and young people get the right support at the right time in the right place.
- Our BUZZ US text messaging service.
- Our dedicated team help young people to make sustainable lifestyle changes in order to improve their long-term health, resilience and emotional wellbeing, reduce risk to themselves and others and equip them to reach their potential.
We also work with school and college staff to build their confidence and knowledge of approaches to support the emotional and mental health needs of the children and young people.
How the service can help you
If you are starting to struggle with your mental health, then our caring and dedicated team can meet you face-to-face or we can support you on the phone or by an online video call.
We use ‘talking therapies’ (sometimes called ‘therapeutic interventions’) designed to help you cope and to understand your particular issues. We can also suggest useful ways family members and others close to you might be able to support you at home – but this is something we would talk to you about first.
How you can get support if you’re a child or young person or for your child if you are a parent / carer
You can speak to someone from Compass Phoenix by ringing us on 01904 661916 or on our Freephone number 0800 008 7452.
If you are a young person or parent / carer wanting to make a self-referral, please download our Request for Support form, then email the completed form to phoenix@compass-uk.org
Correspondence is sent by email so it is important to provide an email address and check your Junk mail for appointment details.
Learn about our BUZZ US text messaging service.
Professional referrals
Professionals are also welcome to make referral but we ask them to complete a referral form. If you would like to have a chat first please call 01904 661916 to talk over their concerns before completing a referral form. Download our referral form.
If you work in a school, before you make this referral, please consider which school staff the child/ young person already has a bond with. We recommend that our Professional Consultation service is accessed before making a referral for direct interventions. Our Professional Consultation service is designed to support school staff in North Yorkshire to provide support for mild- moderate mental health issues within the school setting.
Staff can expect to receive any or all of the following supports:
- A safe space to discuss the mental health needs of the child/ young person and any concerns you may have
- The opportunity to discuss any existing supports and how to build upon these
- An individualised selection of targeted, evidence-based interventions and resources
- Any additional advice and signposting required
- Compass Phoenix Training and Consultation workers will complete a Professional Consultation form following the conversation. This contains all the information discussed as well as any resources and facilitation guidance documents. This form is usually sent to the staff member within 1 day of the conversation, so it is a very timely mode of support.
There is no referral form for the Professional Consultation service and it is completely free to access. All staff need to do is phone 01904 661916 and a phone call will be set up at a consultation time to suit you. There is no need to gain the consent of the child/ parent as they are discussed anonymously.
Correspondence is sent by email so it is important to provide an email address for any referrals made and advise young people / parents to check their Junk mail for appointment details.
If you would like to request a call back, please complete our Call Back Request
Whole School Approach
How to Access Our Training
Our training and consultation workers deliver free emotional wellbeing and mental health training to school / college staff across North Yorkshire. To see what training your school can access please click on the ‘View Compass Phoenix Training Webinars’ tab at the top of the page or click here:
How to Access Professional Consultations
Professional Consultation appointment are arranged for school staff to anonymously discuss a young person’s mild to moderate mental health concern and receive timely advice, guidance, support, resources and signposting.
This enables school staff to deliver preventative, targeted interventions with the young person / group of young people or to be given the appropriate advice to access other specialised support.
This process provides schools with:
• Timely support and advice
• High quality interventions
• Support children/young people need, when they need it
A more creative approach will be used for primary aged children focusing on character building and self esteem with a focus on motivational skills, self awareness and managing relationships for secondary aged young people.
BUZZ US Text Message Service
Compass offers a confidential text messaging service to young people aged 11-18 across North Yorkshire.
Text 07520 631168 for confidential advice, support and signposting from a wellbeing worker within one working day via text.
When you text BUZZ US, you’ll get a message back letting you know if we’re open or closed. It’ll also tell you what you can do if we are not open and you need help in the meantime.
This might include contacting your doctor, visiting an NHS walk-in centre or calling NHS 111. You can also look up your local child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) crisis number. Also remember that if it is an emergency dial 999 or visit A&E.
Text us!
Young people can text BUZZ US about any mental health or wellbeing worries. Such as low mood, stress, eating problem, self harm, anxiety or self esteem.
We will get back to you within a day during the week.
If that feels like too long and you are in need of urgent help or you feel in crisis, please contact the help suggested above and here.
Real people, real help
Once the qualified wellbeing worker – it’s a real person! – has introduced themselves, they will ask you questions around your problem to make sure that they are offering you the right support, advice or signposting to other people who can help you.
After you have received the help you need, we’ll ask for your feedback. But you can text us again if you need us again!
The service is open Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
You can also stop receiving messages from BUZZ US at any stage by texting STOP to the number. We at Compass record and keep all messages they receive in our central files.
Please note this important information
We do not usually inform parents, teachers or anyone else if you contact BUZZ US. We might inform someone if we were concerned about your safety, but we would usually speak to you first.
Your messages are stored and can be seen by other Compass staff who follow the same confidentiality rules. We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate bounce-back to confirm we’ve received your text.
Texts will not be seen outside of normal working hours. If you need help before you hear back from us, contact your doctor, visit a NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. If it is an emergency, dial 999 or visit A&E. Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages.
We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some ‘number masking’ mobile apps).
Prevent BUZZ US sending messages to you by texting STOP to our number. Please respect your school’s mobile phone policy. Messages are charged at your usual rates.
Opening times
Most of the appointments we offer tend to be between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:00am and 4:30pm Fridays – but if these times don’t suit you, just let us know and we’ll see if we can arrange something at a time that’s more convenient to you. We are not open on weekends or bank holidays.
If you require support out of these hours and feel you are in danger or at risk of harm, you can contact the CAMHS Crisis service on the following numbers:
- If you live in Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale, York, Selby, Harrogate, Ripon, Hambleton and Richmondshire call CAMHS Crisis on 0800 051 6171 which is available 24/7.
- If you live in Craven call FIRST RESPONSE (CAMHS Crisis) on 01274 221181 which is available 24/7.
- Or in an emergency dial 999
If you are looking for support with a substance misuse issue, please contact the Humankind charity on Telephone: 01723 330730 (option 2) or Freephone: 08000 14 14 80 (option 2)
Meet the team
Zoe
Service Manager
I have worked in the voluntary sector managing drugs services for over 15 years and previously worked in young people’s services supporting drugs education and health education in schools and community settings. I am excited to be working for Compass Phoenix and am committed to supporting the team to deliver the highest calibre emotional wellbeing and mental health support service to young people across North Yorkshire. I firmly believe that supporting young people to understand mental health and the importance of their own emotional wellbeing, developing their resilience and communication skills is vital to developing strong families and communities and I am inspired to be working with such a dedicated team to deliver the best possible service across North Yorkshire.
Lotty
Team Leader (clinial)
Hi, I’m Lotty, I am the Team Leader (clinical). I qualified as a mental health nurse worked for Compass shortly after. I spent two years out of the service working in both the single point of access and specialist CAMHS services in Suffolk before returning to Compass. I am passionate about young people’s mental health and about ensuring young people access the best support to meet their needs so that they are able to thrive in an emotionally healthy way. Alongside, and prior to my nursing career, I spent many years as a youth worker so enjoy the creative element to the support we offer but also like being able to support and influence mental health services for children and young people in North Yorkshire by amplifying young people’s voices and advocating for those who may otherwise find it difficult to be heard. I hope that everyone who accesses mental health or emotional wellbeing services leaves feeling supported, listened to and positive for the future.
Rachael
Team Leader ( operations & administration)
Hi I’m Rachael, I joined Compass in 2016. It is a great team and I love the diversity of the role dealing with professionals and young people. I am proud of the service Compass Phoenix provides which is having a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people across North Yorkshire.
Sarah
Senior Practitioner
Hi, I'm Sarah, an Senior Practitioner covering Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale. I have 20 years experience working with Young People in a variety of settings including Social Emotional and Mental Health, Specific Learning Difficulties, Communication and Interaction and ASD. I am passionate about supporting children and young people with their emotional health and wellbeing.
Caroline
Administrator
Hi I’m Caroline, I am Administrator for the service in North Yorkshire and I am delighted to be part of a team that cares for the young people in our area.
Sam
Administrator
Alice
Training & Consultation Worker
Hi, I'm Alice, I studied Religious Studies & Theology at university before supporting young people’s learning and wellbeing in a vocational college. This, as well as my own life experiences, cemented my aspiration to work alongside vulnerable children and young people and I went on to complete a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2012. I worked with homeless young people and subsequently as a Children and Families Social Worker for several years, protecting children and young people from harm, specialising in cases involving domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation and enabling looked after children to progress through to permanence. I am hugely passionate about supporting children, young people and school staff, promoting positive mental health and challenging stigma; I’m delighted to be part of the Compass Phoenix team.
Pip
Training & Consultation Worker
Hi I’m Pip, I am so passionate about my role as a Training & Consultation Worker for Compass Phoenix. I feel it is such a privilege to work among such a skilled team, and also to be making such a positive impact for the future of our children and young peoples mental health.
Rachael
Training & Consultation Worker
Hi, I’m Rachael, and I recently joined the Compass Phoenix team as a Training and Consultation Worker. My background is in music education and alternative provision, and in 2022 I completed my MSc in Psychology in Education. I am passionate about helping children and young people to thrive and believe that whole school approaches are the best way to support the mental health and wellbeing of a school community. I’m looking forward to being able to facilitate amazing positive change across North Yorkshire with the fabulous team at Compass Phoenix.
Mandy
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I’m Mandy, an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner covering Harrogate and Hambleton areas. I have worked with children and young people for 12 years in educational and pastoral roles. I am passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people, empowering them, giving them the right tools to develop, and supporting them throughout their journey with their mental health and wellbeing.
Jonny
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
“Hi, I'm Jonny and I am a Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner for Selby. I am passionate about substance misuse, mental and sexual health. I come from a Youth and Community Development background, were I’ve worked collaboratively with young people in schools, youth clubs and the wider community.”
Hannah
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I’m Hannah, Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner. I graduated as a mature student in 2020 with a BA (Hons) in Children, Young People and Families. Working with young people has always been a passion of mine and I led various youth clubs and have volunteered with the City of York Council since 2016, supporting young people within the care system, with those at risk of exploitation and as an appropriate adult. I feel incredibly lucky to work with a great organisation that has such a positive influence on young people’s lives and that allows me to contribute to the empowerment of young people to help them realise and fulfil their potential.
Ashleigh
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi I’m Ashleigh, this is one of the most rewarding jobs I could do, not only do I work with an amazing team, I am also incredibly valued by Compass. I could not be more passionate about protecting, promoting and improving the mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people. I believe that we need to eliminate the stigma and help each other to move towards a brighter future.
Jess
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I'm Jess, the Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner for Hambleton and Richmondshire. I joined the Compass in May 2019, coming from a background of youth work, specialising in supporting young people with substance misuse issues. I am passionate about promoting good mental health and well-being and enjoy working with young people, empowering them to make positive changes to their lives.
Charlotte
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I’m Charlotte, an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner for Hambleton and Richmondshire. I am extremely proud to work for Compass Phoenix; supporting young people, their families, and other professionals within the local area to achieve their highest potential. During 2019, I have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Cognitive Development & Disorders. I am committed to supporting children and young people to be the best possible version of themselves by promoting positive emotional wellbeing and long-term resilience.
Sarah
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I’m Sarah, an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner covering the Harrogate area. I graduated in 2017 with a BA (Hons) and in 2021 and gained a diploma in psychology. I have worked in a school setting with a pastoral and wellbeing role, for 15 years. I am passionate about supporting children and young people and giving them the right strategies to empower them fulfil their potential.
Hayley
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I'm Hayley, an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner for Craven. I have supported young people for many years in a variety of settings including youth clubs, residential units and schools. I enjoy working with young people and feel that it's important for their voice to be heard. I am passionate about promoting positive wellbeing with young people, which is why I'm part of the amazing team here at Compass Phoenix.
Jackie
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
Hi, I'm Jackie, an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner (virtual delivery). Prior to joining the passionate team of people who work for Compass, I worked with children, young people, families, and service providers in voluntary, private and care settings for over 26 years. My journey has led me through many youth clubs and groups, schools, colleges, homes, and charities, pioneering services and coordinating projects.
In the last 8 years, I have combined my passion for supporting and empowering people with my interest in therapy and mental health by training firstly as a counsellor and then as a therapeutic life coach. I believe strongly that whatever people experience in life there is hope for healing, recovery, and good wellbeing; with the right support, relationships, and resources on hand it is possible to 'grow through what you go through'.
I feel privileged to be a part of a team that champions young people, and their mental health, equipping them for their life’s journey.
Lisa
Assistant Director Operations (North)
Hi, I’m Lisa, I was Compass service manager since 2013 before moving to my current role in 2022. I am lucky to have a job that enables me to work with such great colleagues who are committed to offering children, young people, families and professionals across North Yorkshire the best support they possibly can. The teams I work with are dedicated to helping children and young people make sustainable lifestyle changes that will improve their long-term health, resilience and emotional wellbeing in order to help them reach their potential.