Family Compass

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Family Compass A registered mental health charity based in Barnstaple, North Devon

Sponsor our amazing team doing the Croyde Ocean Triathlon here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/family-compass1

Mental Health Monday : when worry comes out as angerEver noticed how a child can hold everything together all day, then...
19/10/2026

Mental Health Monday : when worry comes out as anger

Ever noticed how a child can hold everything together all day, then fall apart the minute they get home?

Sometimes worry looks like tears. Sometimes it looks like a slammed door, a cross voice or a complete refusal to do something ordinary.

It can help to be curious about what might be underneath the behaviour, rather than jumping straight to consequences. A snack, a bit of quiet, some time together - and then perhaps ‘That looked like a really tough afternoon. Want to tell me about it?’

Of course boundaries still matter. But so does understanding what a child is trying to tell us.

What helps your family decompress after a long day?

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Research into PracticeWhy the little back-and-forth moments matter...‘Look at this!’‘Oh wow - tell me about it!’It doesn...
16/10/2026

Research into Practice

Why the little back-and-forth moments matter...

‘Look at this!’

‘Oh wow - tell me about it!’

It doesn’t sound like much, does it? But these tiny exchanges are actually a really big deal.

Researchers at Harvard call them ‘serve and return’ interactions - when a child reaches out through a look, sound, gesture or word, and a caring adult responds.

Over time, these moments help build the foundations for learning, relationships and wellbeing.

No expensive toys. No perfect parenting. Just noticing, responding and being interested.

What’s your child’s favourite way of getting your attention?

Behind the ScenesIt's the small things that make a space feel safe.We wanted Family Compass to be a homely, comforting p...
14/10/2026

Behind the Scenes

It's the small things that make a space feel safe.

We wanted Family Compass to be a homely, comforting place, not like a GP's surgery or a 'therapy room', and we hope we've succeeded...

A familiar chair. A box of favourite figures. A therapist who remembers what you were building last week.

Our rooms aren’t about looking impressive. They’re about making space for children to play, create, think, or just be.

Here’s a little peek at our Heather room - a place where play comes alive for so many of our children 🥰

03/10/2026

A weekend book recommendation for you...

Anyone read it? What did you think?

I took Caitlin's advice and enjoyed walking to meet some friends yesterday, enjoying the fact that of all the millions of humans on the planet I was the *only one* experiencing that moment, and those sounds. I then inhaled a cloud of midges, which slightly ruined the moment, but still...

Final few spaces! **Age range extended to 9 - 11 years**Studio KIND × Family Compass Starting on Tuesday 29th September,...
25/09/2026

Final few spaces! **Age range extended to 9 - 11 years**

Studio KIND × Family Compass

Starting on Tuesday 29th September, our new collaboration with Studio KIND begins.

A creative wellbeing group with emphasis on exploring and enjoying art together in the brilliant Studio KIND environment.

Children can experiment, make things, build confidence and get to know others - with support from Family Compass alongside the creative sessions. Their work will also have the opportunity to be part of an exhibition at the end of the project.

It could be a lovely fit for a child who would benefit from a gentle confidence boost, some new connections and a welcoming space to get creative.

📅 Starts Tuesday 29th September
🕟 4.30–6pm
📍 Studio KIND, Barnstaple
💛 10 weekly sessions, with a break for half term
🎨 Free to attend

No need to be an accomplished artist - curiosity and a willingness to give things a go are plenty.

📧 [email protected]

"Thank you for helping me."A recent thank-you drawing one of our therapists received 🧡💙💛 Five words that really make our...
24/09/2026

"Thank you for helping me."

A recent thank-you drawing one of our therapists received 🧡💙💛 Five words that really make our day 😊

Studio KIND and Family Compass group – spaces availableA creative wellbeing group for 10–11 year olds, with more emphas...
23/09/2026

Studio KIND and Family Compass group – spaces available

A creative wellbeing group for 10–11 year olds, with more emphasis on exploring and enjoying art together in the brilliant Studio KIND environment.

Children can experiment, make things, build confidence and get to know others - with support from Family Compass alongside the creative sessions. Their work will also have the opportunity to be part of an exhibition at the end of the project.

It could be a lovely fit for a child who would benefit from a gentle confidence boost, some new connections and a welcoming space to get creative.

📅 Starts Tuesday 29th September
🕟 4.30–6pm
📍 Studio KIND, Barnstaple
💛 10 weekly sessions, with a break for half term
🎨 Free to attend

No need to be an accomplished artist - curiosity and a willingness to give things a go are plenty.

Email us: [email protected]

Absolutely LOVE these cards, they are going to be so useful for our young people...well done Alex and the RISE team 🙌
22/09/2026

Absolutely LOVE these cards, they are going to be so useful for our young people...well done Alex and the RISE team 🙌

Studio KIND × Family Compass – spaces availableOn Tuesday 29th September our new collaboration with Studio KIND begins!T...
18/09/2026

Studio KIND × Family Compass – spaces available

On Tuesday 29th September our new collaboration with Studio KIND begins!

This is a light-touch creative wellbeing group for 10–11 year olds, with the emphasis on exploring and enjoying art together in the brilliant Studio KIND environment.

Children can experiment, make things, build confidence and get to know others - with support from Family Compass alongside the creative sessions. Their work will also have the opportunity to be part of an exhibition at the end of the project.

It could be a lovely fit for a child who would benefit from a gentle confidence boost, some new connections and a welcoming space to get creative.

📅 Starts Tuesday 29th September
🕟 4.30–6pm
📍 Studio KIND, Barnstaple
💛 10 weekly sessions, with a break for half term
🎨 Free to attend

No need to be an accomplished artist - curiosity and a willingness to give things a go are plenty.

📧 [email protected]

Creative Minds – a couple of spaces left!We have just a couple of spaces remaining in our Creative Minds group, starting...
17/09/2026

Creative Minds – a couple of spaces left!

We have just a couple of spaces remaining in our Creative Minds group, starting Tuesday 22nd September.

Creative Minds is for children in Year 6 who might be feeling worried, anxious, lacking in confidence or finding things a bit difficult - particularly as they begin that big year of transition towards secondary school.

And despite the name, you absolutely don’t need to be “good at art”! There’s no pressure to produce anything, no right or wrong way to take part, and no expectation to share your work. Creativity is simply the tool we use to help children relax, connect with others, build confidence and find ways to manage strong feelings.

📅 Starts Tuesday 22nd September
🕓 4.15–5.15pm
📍 Family Compass, Barnstaple
💛 10 weeks, with a break for half term

If you know a Year 6 child who might benefit from a small, safe and supportive group, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 [email protected]

Address

Old Town Station
Barnstaple
EX311DF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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