I had the pleasure of visiting Coastal Compass AP today for their open day, meeting Katie and Lisa and viewing the fantastic new therapeutic alternative provision and facilities they are launching here in Gorleston. This service will bring much‑needed support for children and young people with special educational needs. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear just how much passion, enthusiasm, and commitment they bring to supporting children and young people who need a different path.
Coastal Compass provides a calm, predictable, and low‑pressure environment for those aged 5–16+ who are currently unable to attend school due to anxiety, Autism, SEMH needs, EBSA, trauma‑related barriers, or emotional dysregulation. Their approach is centred on emotional wellbeing, safety, and trust, not pressure or pushing.
One of the things which stood out for me most, is their therapeutic model, which focuses on helping children and young people develop the emotional stability, confidence, and self‑awareness they need to be able to move forward.
Katie and Lisa’s dedication truly does shine through in every part of the service they are offering and the facilities they have developed. Their commitment to understanding each young person’s needs, and their desire to create the right conditions for them to re‑engage with learning and life, is genuinely inspiring.
This is a much‑needed and incredibly valuable service for families in Gorleston and the wider local area. I’m excited to see the positive impact Coastal Compass will have on our community, and I will be supporting them in any way I can in bringing these essential SEN services to our area, and I am certain Rupert Lowe – Great Yarmouth MP, will be too.
Their open day is running until 4pm today, with a further open day planned later in the month. Please do drop in to see them on Riverside Road in Gorleston, or email info@coastal-compass.co.uk.
Local Update Details
Posted on
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Author
Cllr Barry Gravenell
Category