Lighthouse is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide and self-harm; the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services to families who have been bereaved due to suicide.

The organisation was established in 2003 as a community response to a community problem – the exceptionally high incidence of suicide in North Belfast. The organisation has undergone various stages of growth and change during this time; however, the core purpose of the organisation remains unchanged:

“To save lives, offer advice and support those affected by suicide and self-harm”

Lighthouse also works to remove the stigma associated with suicide and mental health issues through education and awareness activities which promote ‘positive mental health.’

Lighthouse has also been instrumental in highlighting the need to address the problems of suicide and self-harm in a more strategic way and has been a key contributor to the development of Protect Life – the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy.

This strategic plan reflects the future direction and focus of our work over the next three years.  In this planning period Lighthouse is conscious of the need to build sustainability and strives to maintain its reputation as a centre of excellence in the provision of these services to those in need.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Mission

To be an organisation at the heart of the community that works to prevent suicide and provides a beacon of hope to those affected by suicide.

Vision

An emotionally resilient community with positive mental health and fewer people at risk of suicide.

Strategic Aims

  1. To provide accessible support services to people who are directly affected by suicide and self harm.
  2. To deliver educational and awareness raising activities to promote positive mental health, preventing suicide and self harm.
  3. To develop collaborative working relationships and partnerships with other organisations and agencies concerned with suicide and self harm.

Values

Integrity, Respect, Confidentiality and Compassion will underpin everything we do.

We will:

  • Ensure that our employees and volunteers have a safe and healthy working environment and take positive steps to ensure that they feel valued and rewarded for their services
  • Treat all our stakeholders with dignity and courtesy respecting their aspirations, and serve all the community regardless of their background or status; Deliver client centred services-based on evidence and research
  • Maintain our autonomy whilst working in collaboration with other relevant organisations
  • Recognise the equal worth of every individual
  • Provide a safe place for those in need of our services
  • Meet all our statutory, legislative and governance requirements.

Background

Lighthouse was established in 2003.  As stated in the Articles of Association our key objects shall be to work for the assistance of persons who are suicidal, despairing or in distress and thus reduce the incidence of suicide and self-harm.

We will do this by:

  • Providing or assist in providing support, information and appropriate services; and
  • Accepting referral for treatment from professionals to enable such persons to receive immediate help, compassion and friendship.
  • Alleviating distress and offer assistance to people who have suffered loss through suicide or anguish through self-harm by loved ones, by:
  • Developing support systems within the community and beyond.
  • Promoting the fostering of positive mental health to improve the emotional wellbeing of people residing in Belfast and its environs by:
  • Taking the lead in the provision of quality services working in collaboration with relevant community and statutory organisations to ensure that the services provided by Lighthouse are sustainable, funded and available to those in need.
  • Advancing the education of the public into, and raise awareness of, the causes and effects of suicide and self-harm and into matters relating to the nature of grieving, bereavement and the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals that self-harm by;
  • Contributing to Government papers on the subject, making proposals for improvement, carrying out research and providing seminars, training courses, conferences on the relevant areas of concern i.e. suicide awareness, self-harm, and youth work etc.