The Compass for Carers & Caregivers
Because you matter too
When you're caring for someone else, it's easy for your own needs, hopes and dreams to slip further and further down the list.
There are appointments to remember, responsibilities to manage, decisions to make and sometimes very little time left for yourself. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's still you.
Not just the carer. Not just the person everyone relies on. But a person with feelings, hopes, needs and a life of your own.
The Compass Experience for Carers is an opportunity to give a little of that attention back to yourself.
Four weeks. Four conversations. A little space to explore what matters to you.
What if things could feel a little different?
Perhaps you love the person you care for dearly, but some days feel exhausting. Perhaps you've become so accustomed to putting others first that you've almost forgotten what you'd like for yourself.
Or perhaps you find yourself thinking:
-
When do I get some time for me?
-
Is it selfish to want something for myself?
-
How can I feel more positive when my circumstances aren't likely to change?
-
What would I even do if I had a little time to myself?
-
How do I begin when everything already feels so overwhelming?
You don't need to have the answers. And you don't need to change your caring responsibilities to begin exploring what might be possible.
Sometimes, a small change in how we see things, what we focus on or the choices we make can open up possibilities we hadn't noticed before. That's what The Compass is about.
Your four-session Compass Experience
Over four sessions (usually weekly), we'll explore the four parts of The Compass, giving you a simple framework you can use in everyday life.
What might you take away?
Everyone's experience will be different, but you may find yourself leaving with:
-
A clearer understanding of what you need and what matters to you.
-
A renewed sense of hope and possibility.
-
Greater awareness of the thoughts and beliefs that may be holding you back.
-
Small, achievable ways to bring more of what you want into everyday life.
-
Greater confidence in your own choices and judgement.
-
The encouragement that comes from connecting with others who understand.
-
A simple, practical framework you can return to whenever you need to find your bearings again.
The Compass isn't about pretending everything is easy or finding a positive spin on difficult circumstances.
It's about recognising that even when you can't control everything happening around you, there may still be choices and possibilities available to you.
And sometimes, the smallest steps can make a meaningful difference.
What happens during the sessions?
The Compass Experience takes place over four weekly 90-minute sessions - either in person or on Zoom. You'll be with the same small group throughout, giving everyone the opportunity to get to know one another and build on what they've explored each week.
The sessions include gentle guided reflection, practical ideas, simple exercises and supportive group conversations. You won't be told what you should do, and nobody will try to fix your situation.
Sharing is always an invitation, never an obligation. You can participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
You don't need any previous experience, and you certainly don't need to arrive with a plan. Just come as you are.
Interested in The Compass Experience?
Whether you're a carer yourself or part of an organisation supporting carers, we'd love to help you explore whether The Compass Experience could be right for you.
I'm a carer
Hear other carers' experiences of The Compass here. If you'd like to hear about upcoming programs, leave us your details and we'll keep you informed.
I represent an organisation
Explore how The Compass Experience could support the carers you work with. I'm interested in exploring opportunities.
Every caring journey is different, but it's easy to lose sight of yourself when so much of your time and energy goes into looking after someone else.
Here carers share their personal experiences of The Compass Experience and how small changes in perspective, simple practical tools and the support of others have made a difference in their everyday lives.
- Ann - Caring for her husband with dementia
- Cheryl - Caring for her husband with a degenerative condition
- Karen - Supporting her adult son with mental health challenges
- Susan - Finding her way after caring for her parents
- Norah - Caring for her partner with Alzheimer's
Are you part of a charity, carers' organisation, community group or support network? We'd love to explore how The Compass Experience could complement the support you already offer.
The programme provides a structured yet flexible opportunity for carers to focus on their own wellbeing, reconnect with what matters to them and discover practical tools they can use in everyday life. Take a look here at what carers experience in the Compass Experience.
We can work with your organisation to deliver the complete four-session programme to a small group of carers, with opportunities for a member of your staff or volunteer team to participate and experience the approach firsthand.
We also offer the possibility of ongoing commissioned programmes and facilitator training, enabling organisations to develop their own capacity to deliver The Compass within their communities.
The Compass Experience can be tailored to reflect the needs of your organisation and the carers you support, while keeping the same supportive four-session structure.
Let's have a conversation about how The Compass could support the carers in your community.
About us
The Compass may be simple, but behind it are many years of experience working alongside people, families and communities.
Kimberley is a qualified nurse and has worked across health, social care, the charity sector and the tribunal system, supporting children, adults and families with a wide range of complex needs and life circumstances. Her experience includes many years as a charity CEO, chairing independent reviews for NHS England and judicial roles for families with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).
Since 2019, as certified Infinite Possibilities and Playing the Matrix trainers, Kimberley and Phil have been facilitating and teaching personal development programmes. Kimberley has developed and leads the facilitator training pathways for the Well-Traveled Soul (worldwide) and I Believe in ME (Europe/North America) programmes. Phil also supports people one-to-one with the Compass and produces the free daily 'Phil My Cup' messages.
Together, they bring their experience, warmth and belief in people's potential to The Compass, creating a supportive space where people can discover their own strengths, possibilities and direction.