THE COMPASS

Turn your next possibility into a practical plan.

The Compass turns Pathways to Participation into a 12-session programme for young adults aged 18–30 who want to move towards education, employment, volunteering or greater participation in community life.

A PATHWAY BUILT AROUND YOU

You do not need to have everything figured out.

You may know that you want something to change without knowing exactly where to begin.

The Compass helps you recognise your strengths, explore realistic opportunities and take manageable steps towards a goal that matters to you.

Your goal will be developed with you—not chosen for you.

WHO IT IS FOR

Practical support for meaningful participation.

The programme is being developed primarily for young adults aged 18–30 who:

  • Face social, educational or economic barriers to participation
  • Want to explore education, employment, volunteering or community opportunities
  • Would benefit from structure, practical guidance and supportive connections
  • Are willing to work towards a personal next step

Exploring is a valid starting point.

You do not need to have a completed plan before contacting us. Exploring your direction can be part of the programme.

Disability, neurodivergence, mental health history, limited formal education or unemployment do not automatically prevent participation. We will discuss what support or adjustments may help you take part.

OUR APPROACH

Discover. Develop. Deploy.

01

Discover

Recognise your strengths, interests and experiences. Explore what meaningful participation could look like and identify a realistic direction.

02

Develop

Strengthen practical capabilities such as communication, planning, collaboration, problem-solving and asking for support.

03

Deploy

Turn learning into action by preparing and completing or formally beginning a practical next step.

THE 12-SESSION JOURNEY

Structured support. Participant-owned progress.

12 SESSIONS

Two participation tracks

The same 12-session curriculum is offered through a weekly online track or a twice-monthly in-person track in Hilversum.

3+ MEETINGS

Individual progress support

At least three one-to-one meetings will be offered to shape, review and continue your personal goal.

8–12 PEOPLE

A focused pilot group

A small-group format designed to support connection, participation and individual attention.

Choose one primary participation track: the online track meets once every week and normally lasts 12 weeks; the in-person Hilversum track meets twice per month and normally lasts approximately six months. Specific dates, times, the online platform and the Hilversum venue will be confirmed before each cycle begins. The Compass is currently in pre-launch development and will begin only after operational readiness and board approval are confirmed, so participant feedback will help strengthen future cycles.

YOUR GOAL. YOUR PROGRESS.

A meaningful next step, made S.M.A.R.T.

Every participant is supported to develop a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

This does not mean everyone must achieve the same outcome. Progress may mean applying for a course, attending a volunteering introduction, preparing for employment or joining a meaningful community activity.

We look at your starting point, circumstances and the next step that matters to you.

ACCESSIBILITY

Participation should work for you.

Tell us if support relating to communication, language or literacy, mobility, sensory needs, concentration, planning, scheduling or group participation could help.

You do not need to provide a detailed diagnosis to request an initial conversation about adjustments.

PROGRAMME BOUNDARIES

Clear about what we provide.

The Compass is a practical development programme. It is not therapy, medical treatment, emergency support, legal representation, financial advice or a guarantee of education, employment or placement.

Where another form of support appears more appropriate, we will try to discuss a suitable next step or signposting with you.

HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST

A clear and respectful pathway.

STEP 1

Send a short enquiry

Complete the form yourself, with someone you trust, or through a professional who has your agreement.

STEP 2

Talk with us

We may invite you to an informal conversation about your goals, the programme and any adjustments you may need.

STEP 3

Receive a clear decision

We will explain whether we can offer a place, suggest a later cycle, or discuss another route that may fit better.

Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee a place. Participation is voluntary, and you may decide not to continue at any point.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before you contact us.

Do I need to know my final goal?

No. You may already have a goal, or you may need help exploring your options.

Is the programme only about employment?

No. Your next step may relate to education, training, employment, volunteering or community participation.

Can someone help with the form?

Yes. A trusted person, partner organisation or member of our team may help you.

Does an enquiry guarantee a place?

No. We first discuss suitability, support needs, capacity and timing.

Do I need to share a diagnosis?

No. We ask only for information relevant to participation and appropriate support.

What if the programme is not suitable?

We will explain the reason respectfully and, where possible, discuss another route or a future cycle.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

Take the first step.

Tell us what you would like to move towards. The form takes about five minutes, and you do not need to provide a diagnosis or detailed personal history.

Please provide at least one contact method: email or telephone.

We aim to acknowledge enquiries within two working days. This form is not monitored as an emergency service.

If completing an online form is difficult, email info@depthsofdiscovery.nl and we will discuss another way to express interest.