A charity has set up a support helpline and created a safe space in Perth city centre for anyone over the age of 12 struggling with their mental health.
Lighthouse for Perth has expanded and moved into a new premises on Kinnoull Street, where the organisation will run an out of hours telephone support service as well as providing face to face support and a short term place to stay.
The mental health charity was set up by Tracy Swan in 2015 following the death of her daughter Jodie McNab and helps anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, self harm or any form of emotional distress.
Lighthouse for Perth recently received £8,950 in funding from the National Lottery which has helped it move forward with its lifesaving service.
Sharon Thomas, the charity’s manager, explained one of the benefits of being a local organisation is helpline use can lead to face-to-face contact for those who need it.
She said: “We’ve got a room and a safe space. If we’re contacted and we thought the initial support wasn’t enough we could say come down and we could send a taxi for them.
“The height of crisis lasts 20 to 30 minutes so we can them through that and keep them safe that night.
“It’s taken from 2015 but we’ve now got premises and we can go live with our support lines. We’re for anybody age 12-plus. It’s a well-needed service.
“The charity and trustees are people that have lost people, so they have a vested interest.”
The out of hours helpline will initially run on Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays from 9pm to 3am, which the charity has identified as the periods of time helpers will be most needed.
Sharon thanked Perth residents and the National Lottery for their support in helping the charity take the next step in the support service.
She said: “The people of Perth have been amazing, they’re behind us.
“The money has been amazing. We were going to do this anyway but this money has made it so much easier. It’s all taking off.”
The charity expect their helpline service to to go live within weeks and have organised an open day at their new premises at 44 Kinnoull Street on Saturday March 14 from noon to 4pm.
Anyone wanting to talk about their mental health can contact The Samaritans on 116 123.
