Compass Circles
A space to be. A place to navigate.
Sometimes what we need isn't more advice.
We need somewhere to stop. Somewhere we can say how things really are, be listened to without being fixed, hear from other people and have time to work out what we need for ourselves.
That's what a Compass Circle is for.
Compass Circles are small facilitated groups that bring together honest conversation, thoughtful reflection and the simple framework of The Compass.
What happens in a Compass Circle?
A Compass Circle usually brings together a small group of people - often around 8–12 - with a facilitator who helps create and hold the space.
There is time to check in, reflect, listen and talk about what's happening in our lives.
The Compass gives us a simple way to explore questions such as:
- Where am I now?
- What do I want or need?
- What might be possible?
- What's a small step I could take?
- What might I need to trust?
There may be a little learning or a simple activity, but a Compass Circle isn't about teaching. The value comes from the conversation itself.
Listening without fixing
One of the simplest agreements in our Circles is: We listen to listen.
Most of us have learned to help by offering advice, reassurance or solutions. In a Compass Circle, we practise something different.
We give people room to finish their thoughts. We allow silence. We don't assume we know what's right for somebody else.
That doesn't mean sitting silently whatever happens. The facilitator helps hold the boundaries of the Circle and makes sure there is space for different voices and experiences.
But nobody is expected to arrive with the answers - including the facilitator.
You choose what you share
There is no pressure to speak. You can share when you want to, and you can pass when you don't.
There may be laughter. There may be emotion. There may be moments when nobody has anything to say. All of that is okay.
A Compass Circle is about creating the conditions in which people can hear themselves and each other a little more clearly.
Who are Compass Circles for?
The same underlying approach can be used in many different communities.
A Circle might bring together people who are:
- caring for or supporting someone else;
- navigating change, uncertainty or a difficult period;
- experiencing a particular life transition;
- part of the same organisation or community;
- or simply wanting to live with greater intention and connection.
Sometimes everyone in the Circle shares a similar experience. Sometimes they don't.
What connects them is the opportunity to pause, reflect and find their own direction alongside others.
The Compass
Within the Circle, we come back to four simple ideas:
I set my destination.
I feel it, see it bright.
With baby steps I journey.
I trust my inner light.
The Compass gives us something practical to take away from the conversation and use in everyday life.
Experience a Compass Circle
We run Compass Circles ourselves and also work with organisations and communities that would like to create them for the people they support.
Some are open to anyone. Others are created around a particular community or shared experience.
If you'd like to hear about upcoming Circles, or you're wondering whether a Compass Circle could be useful for your organisation or community, we'd love to hear from you.
We run Compass Circles ourselves and also work with organisations and communities that would like to create them for the people they support.
Some Circles are open to anyone. Others bring together people with a shared experience or who are part of the same community.
I'd like to join a Compass Circle
If you'd like to hear about upcoming Circles you can join, leave your details and we'll let you know what's coming up.
Hear about upcoming circles
I'd like to bring The Compass to my community
If you're part of an organisation, charity, community group or network and you're wondering whether Compass Circles could be useful for the people you support, find out how we can work together.