Shining a light on mental health in uncertain times
Saranne Davies works with The Lighthouse for Perth, which seeks to assist 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.
Although based in Perth, anyone throughout the region can seek out the help they feel they need.
Saranne, who lives in the region, said that mental health support is of paramount importance.
She explained: “We find ourselves in unprecedented and challenging times and never before has mental health support been so important.
“This is particularly highlighted by tragic recent events in our community.
“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-today basis and out-of-hours when they find themselves in crisis by providing support through a listening service, oneto-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 global coronavirus pandemic, and restrictions imposed as part of efforts to tackle that, has meant online communication is an increasingly important part of communicating with local communities in Perth and Kinross.
The Lighthouse provides out of hours support through freephone telephone lines and online live chat with face-toface follow-up support when needed at its 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.
Saranne continued: “The Lighthouse is a charity and we rely on local support to ensure we can continue to provide this much-needed resource across Perthshire.
“We have been blown away by the many individual and company donations we have received which allows us to continue to grow our service and ensure we can be there for those in crisis.
“And to anyone who may be in emotional distress, please do not suffer in silence, please get in touch – our service is confidential, delivered by fully trained volunteers and free to access.”
• The Lighthouse services are available by calling 0800 121 4820 or online on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 2am and for face-to-face 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 sending and email to office@lighthouseforperth.org.
We find ourselves in unprecedented and challenging times and never before has mental health support been so important