Mental health help is at hand

An east Perthshire woman has urged anyone who may be in crisis to contact local services to get the help they need.

Coupar Angus resident Saranne Davies is a trustee for The Lighthouse for Perth, a non-profit organisation which offers support to anyone aged 12 or over who is struggling with their mental health or emotions – including those who may be having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or who find themselves in emotional distress or crisis.

The service, which has been fully operational for almost a year, recently moved premises to a shared building with the Andy’s Man Club and Women’s Wellbeing Perth, and will soon be able to offer six beds for overnight crisis support.

Saranne explained:“We find ourselves in unprecedented and challenging times and never before has mental health support been so important.

“I got involved with the Lighthouse last year after my brother-in-law made a serious attempt to take his life, and subsequently went missing and was found dead six months later.

“At the Lighthouse we are here to support individuals both on a day-to-day basis and out-of-hours when they find themselves in crisis by providing support through a listening service, one-to-one support sessions, support tools including a crisis management plan, and a safe space to recover and heal.

“Our approach is a non-medical model offering intervention to prevent thoughts of suicide, self-harm and emotional distress from escalating, and ensuring those in crisis can access help as soon as possible alongside preserving their dignity.

“We also promote contact between organisations and other mental health services when required.

“Our new building in Perth, which is at The Neuk and is supported by The Anchor Trust, is fabulous and is already being used in a partnership approach by the agencies involved.”

The Lighthouse provides out of hours support through freephone telephone lines and online live chat with face-to-face follow-up support when needed at the Perth base.

It also accepts referrals from high schools and other agencies in the area, with pupils often able to have a same-day appointment for assessment and support.

• The Lighthouse services are available by calling 0800 121 4820 or online on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 2am and for face-toface support sessions on Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm.

Alternatively, follow The Lighthouse on social media or email help@lighthouseforperth.org

Anyone wishing to donate to The Lighthouse for Perth can do so via JustGiving online or by emailing office@lighthouseforperth.org.