Informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health support for those in need of extra support in times of difficulty in Southampton.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, lonely and hopeless, our drop-in for Southampton city residents could help you find calm, reflection and connect with other services to help support your mental health.
When you arrive at The Lighthouse, you will be welcomed, given a tour and asked basic details such as your name and date of birth. You may want to have a cup of tea and chat with one of the team about how things are for you. If you don’t feel like talking, you may want to engage in creative activities or simply take some time out.
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.
Together, we give you an informal, non-judgemental support and facilities, such as:
Our team 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 medical attention.
The Lighthouse is open to those over the age of 18 and live in the city of Southampton under the postcodes SO14 to SO19.
Visiting the Lighthouse may be useful if you are:
The Lighthouse is unable to support people who:
If you are under the age of 18, live outside of the city of Southampton, please take a look at our Urgent Help page.
Where possible, we encourage you to arrive before 11.00pm to help you get the best from the service. During peak times, we may have to request that you come back at a later time.
Monday: 4.30pm - midnight
Tuesday: 4.30pm - midnight
Wednesday: 4.30pm - midnight
Thursday: 4.30pm - midnight
Friday: 4.30pm - midnight
Saturday: 4.30pm - midnight
Sunday: 4.30pm - midnight
The Lighthouse premises are currently closed for drop in visits, but we are still operating a telephone and text service.
The Lighthouse
147 Shirley Road
Options Wellbeing
The Annexe
Southampton
SO15 3FH
T: Text ‘lighthouse’ and your postcode (for example LIGHTHOUSE SO14 0YG) to 074 5127 6010 between 4.30pm and 12am. We will then contact you via telephone, email, web chat or text.
In light of social distancing restrictions, The Lighthouse's premises on Shirley Road remains closed.
We have set up a temporary virtual service offering crisis support over the phone, via text or online chat during our usual opening hours of 4.30pm - midnight.
The first time I used The Lighthouse service I was really struggling that night. I was so nervous that it took me over half an hour to send the first text, but when I did it was the best thing I had done in a long time.
Read more about Rebecca's StoryWe all need support sometimes. If you are in a mental health crisis, or know someone who is, here are some ways you can get help.
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