The Lighthouse is an informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health service for anyone over the age of 18 who requires short-term support with their mental health.

At the Lighthouse, we are unable to give medication or therapy, but we are able to provide in-the-moment support on your terms. 

Our team is made up of people who have lived experience of their own mental health challenges and people who hold a professional registration. They may also help you find more support from other services, whether it be immediate or urgent care, primary or secondary care or even linking in with services you are already in contact with.

Please note that The Lighthouse is not an A&E department for those in need of medical attention.

Planned closure notice

Please note that The Lighthouse centres in Bitterne and Shirley will be closed on Wednesday 18 December.

If you need mental health support during the closure, you can:

• Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service
• Contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 (free from any phone), emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting some branches in person.
• Visit or contact our South West Hampshire Safe Haven service - open Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 11pm.

We will reopen at 4.30pm on Thursday 19 December.

Where to find us

The Lighthouse has 2 locations, the Lighthouse Bitterne and the Lighthouse Shirley.

You can drop-in to either venue between the hours of 4:30pm and 10:30pm. Please note, face to face support ends at 11:00pm. 

You can also speak to someone remotely via Attend Anywhere. If you are unable to drop in and do not have internet access, you can text Lighthouse to 07789390812.

Together, we give you an informal, non-judgemental support and facilities, such as:

• a comfortable lounge area
  
• arts, crafts, games and other activities
• a low stimulus ‘sensory’ room
• a range of resources such as sensory aids and information that you are welcome to browse and make use of
• facilitated, informal peer support alongside other guests using the service
• space for making drinks
• wheelchair accessible facilities

Attend Anywhere - remote appointment

You can access the service remotely through 'Attend Anywhere'. You will be taken to a virtual waiting room and will then be asked for your full name and date of birth. You can get video support, online chat or call support on this service. 

Please note you do need internet access to use the link.

Videos:

Local Mind Excellence Award

Lighthouse service manager Tracey and Chief executive Sally Arscott discuss our peer support approach and the Local Mind Excellence Award for Effective Services that we won in 2024.

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