Mental health charity hails ‘amazing’ support as it unveils new safe space

Lighthouse thanks community during open day at city centre premises

A mental health charity has opened its doors to the people of Perth and Kinross at its new safe space in Perth city centre.

Having secured its Kinnoull Street premises, Lighthouse for Perth hosted an open day on Saturday to welcome people who wanted to learn more about its work.

The charity was set up by Tracy Swan following the death of her daughter, Jodie McNab, and helps people experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm and any emotional distress.

The charity will also launch a helpline for people to call when they need support.

It will initially run three days a week but the charity aims to extend this to seven days and hopes to launch the helpline early next month.

Manager Sharon Thomas said: “The support (Perth and Kinross people) have thrown our way has been amazing.

“From 9am (on Saturday), people have been dropping off home baking – there are enough cakes for the whole of Perth!”

The open day allowed Lighthouse to introduce the community, individuals and local organisations to its services, welcome them to the new safe space and give an overview of the services on offer.

The day allowed attendees to have informal chats with Lighthouse staff and volunteers over tea and coffee.

Having founded Lighthouse, Tracy echoed Sharon’s gratitude to the people of Perthshire for their support, describing it as “overwhelming”.

She said: “We feel very humbled that there are so many people wanting to help.

“If it hadn’t been for the people of Perth and Kinross, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

The Lighthouse safe space is at

44 Kinnoull Street.

Picture: Angus Findlay. From left: Lighthouse volunteers Claire Bywalec, Graham Ogston, manager Sharon Thomas and Kirsty Provan at the launch of the charity’s new safe space in Perth.