‘I’ve experienced growth within myself.’
‘It’s changed my life completely.’
‘It’s a very peaceful place.’
These are the words of three people who are among thousands who have benefited over the years from the work of a Tearfund partner called the Lighthouse Project.
From today, many more will also receive its help as it opens a new centre in the West Midlands town of Wednesbury.
This will be the project’s fifth centre, where it will encompass the same vision, ethos and purpose as the existing centres, providing a warm, safe, accepting environment where people can access support, meet new people and learn new skills, through a variety of courses and training opportunities, that will be available to all.
Last year alone, 800 adults signed up for Lighthouse services for the first time and almost 600 enrolled on training courses, each starting their own personal journey of opportunity and achievement.
The role of the Helping Hands Mentoring service is an important part of the project’s remit, based upon the belief that `each individual is precious and priceless’.
Isolated
Mentors are trained volunteers who use their own life experiences to support people going through difficult times.
Through listening and caring they help people to set achievable goals and access support and services.
The Lighthouse Project centres reach out to those who are traditionally seen as hard to reach, those who are socially excluded, isolated and disadvantaged.
The new Lighthouse centre is situated in Wednesbury North, where there is much need.
Unemployment and benefit dependency in this area are almost double the national average and more than 45 per cent of adults have no qualifications.