The Beacon celebrates one-year milestone
The Beacon, Angus’s community wellbeing centre in Arbroath, is celebrating its first anniversary after supporting more than 800 people and providing over 4100 individual support sessions in its first year.
Providing community support for anyone living in Angus aged 16 and over, The Beacon is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight, seven days a week, every day of the year. The Beacon is commissioned by Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and managed by Hillcrest Futures.
The centre offers a kind, caring and compassionate place for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing distress. Anyone can access support, including family members and carers, either in person, over the phone, via text or email, or by reaching out through social media.
Jesse* describes how The Beacon helped them, when they needed support at a time of crisis, “You (staff at The Beacon) have made it feel safe and manageable for me to open-up, bit by bit, at my own pace. I don’t think I could have done that without the patience and understanding that you have shown… I just want to thank you for the support you have given me.”
Emotional distress can look different for everyone. Thanks to the person-centred support available, The Beacon has been able to empower residents across Angus to improve their wellbeing, helping them access the care and support they need at the time they need it most.
Eunice McLennan, Head of Community Health & Care at Angus Health and Social Care Partnership. said: “Over the past year, The Beacon has become a vital part of the support available for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing distress across Angus. We’ve seen first-hand the difference that compassionate, person-centred support can make. By providing a welcoming, safe space where individuals can access support when they need it most, the service is helping to ensure that people receive the right care at the right time.
“We are incredibly proud of the positive impact The Beacon has already had within the community, and we would encourage anyone who may be struggling, as well as family members or carers seeking advice, to reach out. Support is available, and no one should feel that they have to face difficult times alone.”
Additional help and support is also available through a range of Mental Health services. Please visit www.angus.gov.uk/social_care_and_health/mental_health_and_wellbeing/are_you_ok for more information.
Jesse’s* name has been changed for confidentiality reasons.