This month marks a significant milestone for n-compass, as we celebrate 25 years of service to communities across the region. It is incredible to think that a quarter of a century has passed since our establishment in 1999, initially known as Wyre & Fylde Advocacy. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in the voluntary sector has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with challenges, successes, and a relentless commitment to making a difference.
Our Beginnings
n-compass was born in response to the UK government’s "Modernising Government" white paper, which aimed to make public services more efficient and person-centred. This was particularly important for individuals who often found their voices drowned out in key decisions affecting their lives. Our founding purpose was clear: to empower the most vulnerable in our community to have their voices heard.
Back then, we were known as Wyre & Fylde Advocacy, focusing on giving a platform to those who needed it most across the Fylde Coast. Though advocacy as a concept existed long before 1999, our establishment came at a crucial time, and we quickly became a trusted resource for individuals who needed support to navigate complex systems.
As our services expanded, so did our name. Wyre & Fylde Advocacy became n-compass, a name that better reflected our growing portfolio of services and broader geographical reach. While our name has changed, our mission—to empower the most vulnerable—has remained constant guiding us through events that have shaped our path over the last 25 years.
Overcoming Challenges
The past two and a half decades have brought numerous challenges, and I can only speak to those we have faced since I joined the organisation in 2008. That same year, the UK was hit by a financial crisis, causing widespread hardship. Many people lost their jobs, faced house repossessions, fell into debt, and struggled to cover basic living expenses. As the strain on our communities grew, so did the demand for our services. However, like many charities, we were expected to do more with fewer resources as our income failed to match this increased need.
In 2012, the Health & Social Care Act introduced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), replacing Primary Care Trusts. This shift required us to adapt to new funding structures that were more clinically focused and forge new relationships. More recently, these CCGs were replaced by Integrated Care Boards under the Health and Social Care Act of 2022, once again prompting us to adjust our approach and overcome fresh challenges.
Over the years, we have experienced significant losses. One of the most impactful was the closure of a Wellbeing Service in 2019 due to local government cuts. This resulted a loss of support to over 11,000 individuals annually. More recently, due to a change in how children and young people’s mental health services are provided, we lost our Butterfly & Phoenix counselling services—programmes that were part of our identity. While these moments were undeniably difficult, they also reinforced our resilience and commitment.
Throughout this period, we have witnessed considerable political and societal changes, including the term of eight different Prime Ministers, shifts in government policies, and even a transition in the monarchy. Despite these transformations, we have remained focused on our mission and continued to grow stronger. n-compass has been guided by four different leaders during this time, each contributing unique strengths to help us evolve and navigate an ever-changing landscape.
Innovating Through a Global Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented challenge. Our communities faced difficulties we could never have anticipated, and we had to innovate quickly to continue supporting those who relied on us. During this time, we launched the Carers Community Network, a platform that now connects a vibrant and growing community of carers, ensuring that support continued even in lockdowns and restrictions.
The pandemic and the cost of living crisis that followed revealed the increasing complexity of the issues facing those we serve, but we stepped up to meet these challenges head-on. This was a testament to the resilience and passion of our employees and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure that our services remained uninterrupted during this difficult time.
Growth and Expansion
Despite the hurdles, n-compass has grown exponentially over the past 25 years. Our services have expanded far beyond our original remit, and we now operate in Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Staffordshire. We are proud to say that we touch the lives of over 30,000 individuals each year.
Starting with just a handful of volunteers, we have grown into an organisation that employs over 160 employees, supported by more than 140 volunteers. Together, we work to deliver high-quality services to those who need us most. Our financial growth has been equally impressive—from modest beginnings, we now generate over £6 million annually, allowing us to reinvest in our services and support more people across the region.
Recognising Our Achievements
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have received numerous awards recognising the positive impact we have made in the communities we serve. We are proud recipients of the National Children and Young People Now Award, the National Advocacy Award, Tech For Good and have been shortlisted multiple times for the prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising our impactful service delivery. In 2023, we were honoured to be named the 3rd Best Charity to Work For in the UK, and in 2024, we ranked 47th on the list of Best Workplaces for Women - accolades that reflect our commitment to creating a healthy and inclusive workplace culture.
Regional and National Leadership
We are also proud to reflect on the broader impact we have had, not just locally but regionally and nationally. Over the years, n-compass has earned a reputation as a highly regarded organisation, respected for its thought leadership and dedication to improving lives. Our expertise in advocating for the most vulnerable has led to our involvement in shaping both local strategies and national policies.
We have been invited to play a key role in numerous national conferences such as the Carers UK conference and the British Institution of Human Rights. Our contributions to these platforms have allowed us to influence best practices across the voluntary sector and beyond.
Locally, we are an integral part of various strategic boards, including Learning and Disability Partnership Boards and Safeguarding Boards, where our team provides direct input into service delivery and policy development. These positions enable us to advocate effectively for the communities we serve, ensuring that their needs are at the forefront of decision-making processes.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on the past 25 years, it is clear that our success is not just measured in numbers or awards, but in the lives we have touched along the way. The communities we have strengthened, the individuals we have empowered, and the partnerships we have built all stand as a testament to our mission.
We know that the next 25 years will bring new challenges, but if the past is any indication, n-compass will continue to meet them with the same compassion, innovation, and determination that have brought us this far. Our journey is far from over, and we remain as committed as ever to empowering the most vulnerable in our society.
Thank you to everyone—our employees, volunteers, funders, and partners—who have been part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 25 years!
We have developed a video to celebrate our journey, which we invite you to watch and share as we look forward to a bright and impactful future together.
Joanna Solanki
CEO
