Kompasset centre opened in Sandnes
Published: 15.03.10 (updated: 13.12.11)
Children and young adults who are victims of substance abuse in their family, now have a safe place to go to after the Kompasset centre in Sandnes opened.
Maria Haukaas Storeng, Norunn Østråt Koksvik and Paal-André Grinderud opened the TUBA centre in Sandnes.
– A pleasant place
The Kompasset project ("the Compass") previously TUBA, works to help teenagers and young adults from families with substance abuse problems, and the Kompasset centres offer therapy, counselling and education. Perhaps equally important is the centre’s social functions, as it is a place where the children are acknowledged and focused on.
The Kompasset-centre in Sandnes opened March 9, 2010, and is the second centre in Norway.
Alex Kastrup Nielsen established the first institutions in Denmark, from which the Norwegian centres derive their central philosophies and knowledge. Nielsen was present at the opening in Sandnes, and emphasised how the Kompasset centres focused on their user’s needs and provided a safe haven.
– Kompasset should be a pleasant place to visit, he concluded.
Mayor with the offical opening
Norunn Østråt Koksvik, the mayor of Sandnes kommune, was there to officially open the new centre. She wanted to wish Kompasset the best of luck, and she also pointed to the need for this kind of of institution in Sandnes.
– 30 per cent of our population are under 18 years of age, so this institutions is greatly needed. It contributes to give our citizens an even better level of service.
The two Kompasset ambassadors Maria Haukaas Storeng and Paal-André Grinderud were also present at the opening, and the latter contributed with some captivating songs from her repertoire. Grinderud has been one of Blå Kors’ strongest supporters since the Norwegian “TV-aksjon” in 2008, and he especially made his mark on the Kompasset project. As one of Norway’s best-known proponents of safe childhood environments, he voiced his wishes for the new Kompasset centre.
– I want to emphasise three words that I hope will define this place: love, wisdom and power, Grinderud stated.
When the guests had contributed with their support and good wishes, Koksvik, Storeng and Grinderud performed the official opening by tying a symbolic red band.
Contributions from “TV-aksjonen” and local businesses
In 2008, Blue Cross received a substantial contribution from the Norwegian public through the annual “TV-aksjonen”. Roald Hansen, head of development at Blue Cross, told us at the opening how the money are being spent to further develop Blue Cross’ many offers. The establishment of the Kompasset project in Norway was a direct result of the contributions from the “TV-aksjon”, and Hansen also pointed to the importance of co-operation with the local authorities and businesses.
In addition to Omega’s three-year commitment, the local companies Dataplan and Magnar Eikeland have contributed to the Kompasset centre in Sandnes.