Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is a specialist psychological therapy service for people with complex emotional and relational needs. We work closely with other mental health services to aid people's recovery through a range of group treatments, and therapeutic activities.

The information on this page is in the process of being updated. Please contact Thelighthouse@spft.nhs.uk with any queries and for more information.

For people living in Brighton and Hove who are over the age of 18, under secondary mental health care, and have a diagnosis of personality disorder. 

Please see the criteria for referral in the Resources and further information section.
 

The Lighthouse provides a range of treatments, therapeutic interventions and recovery focused activities that include:

  • Therapy groups

  • Therapeutic activity groups and workshops

  • Peer support groups

  • Social groups and activities

  • Psychoeducational groups

  • Engagement support to help you link to other services.

Our groups are run at the centre, outside in the community, and at other locations such as the Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park. Alongside the staff team, volunteers and established members provide peer support in the delivery of these groups.

In all our groups the Lighthouse offers an opportunity to take part in activities that: 

  • Help to develop a meaningful routine

  • Try new things, explore interests and experience joy

  • To socialise with others and develop relationship skills

  • To become part of the community of Lighthouse

  • To learn ways to manage emotions 

  • To build self-confidence.

The Lighthouse provides a range of therapeutic interventions from psychologically informed clinical interventions, therapeutic groups and occupational therapy, to general support and activity groups both at the centre and community-based.

The Southdown recovery team work alongside volunteers and peer supporters to deliver therapeutic activity-based groups.

We welcome member participation in all aspects of the development and running of the service, including co-production and peer-led work led by the Mind Team.

We have art therapists, nurses, occupational therapists and psychologists who work together to deliver the range of treatments, therapeutic interventions and recovery focused activities.

Links to other websites 

Information for professionals

Referral information and criteria

The Lighthouse is for people:

  • Over the age of 18 who meet the criteria for ICD-11 personality disorder where there is a high level of risk and/or disability
  • With a personality disorder as their primary diagnosis
  • Where treatment is being sought to address the difficulties associated with personality disorder- primarily significant interpersonal difficulties, emotional intensity, impulsivity as well as other associated severe cognitive and emotional problems
  • Who are already engaged or have tried to engage in other treatments to address their difficulties
  • Who are unable to engage safely/make use of stand-alone therapies, with frequent use of unplanned contacts and/or urgent care/crisis care and/or acute inpatient care
  • Who are contemplating change and will do their best to commit to treatment. 

The Lighthouse works with people with all personality disorder diagnoses. However, given we are community/group-based, we will assess risk and safety issues for people with anti-social traits, or who may have, for example, histories of interpersonal violence / destruction of property and /or intimidation of others.

Download our referral form

Referrals are via secondary care mental health services, we don't accept self-referrals. Completed referral forms should be sent to TheLighthouse@spft.nhs.uk if you'd like to discuss a referral before you complete the form please contact us on 0300 304 0069.

How to get here

By bus

Services 1, 1A, and 6 (Brighton & Hove buses) stop on New Church Road at the top of Sackville Gardens (stop: Westbourne Villas North).

The 700 Coastliner service (Stagecoach) stops nearby on the A259 (Kingsway).

By train

The nearest train stations are Aldrington (approximately 0.7 miles away) and Hove (approximately 1.1 mile away).

Parking information

  • Limited free onsite parking and street parking (Permit Zone R and pay-and-display).

Opening times

9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Weekend sessions (appointment and group attendance base).