For Parents / Guardians

What you need to know.

Thank you for the trust you place in Lighthouse when your young person engages with us. This page lays out exactly what Lighthouse is, what we do, how we keep young people safe, and how you stay involved.

What Lighthouse is

Lighthouse is the youth pathway of Powerhouse Beacon. We exist to help young people aged 11–25 find identity, wellbeing, purpose, healthy relationships and faith in Christ.

We are not a counselling service, a medical service or an emergency service. We walk with young people pastorally, through teaching, mentoring, prayer and community.

What we offer

A safe public pathway (Identity, Wellbeing, Purpose, Relationships, Faith) with real teaching at every step.
A confidential journey of 28 short discipleship modules over four levels (Discover, Grow, Shine, Lead).
Optional one-to-one mentoring with a youth-safe approved Lighthouse Mentor.
Youth events, prayer nights, leadership development and outreach.
A moderated, safeguarded community 'wall' where young people can share, pray and encourage one another.

Our safeguarding commitment

All mentors working with under-18s are DBS checked, safeguarding trained, and explicitly approved as 'youth-safe' by a Lighthouse Leader before any assignment.
All enquiries from under-18s are reviewed first by a Lighthouse Leader — never an ordinary volunteer.
All wall posts by under-18s are hidden until a leader reviews them.
Disclosures of abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or danger are escalated the same day, and where required, to statutory services (police, social services, NHS).
We follow UK safeguarding law and Powerhouse Beacon safeguarding policy at all times.

How mentors are approved

Application by the prospective mentor through the Lighthouse system.
Eligibility check: minimum 6 months active in Lighthouse, Level 3 completion, no safeguarding concerns, 18+.
Lighthouse Leader review and decision.
DBS check and safeguarding training before any under-18 assignment.
Ongoing supervision, mentor notes, and quarterly review by a Lighthouse Leader.

How you stay involved

When your child engages, you are asked for your contact details (name, email, phone).
A Lighthouse Leader will introduce themselves to you directly.
You will be kept informed of mentoring assignments, youth events your child is invited to, and any safeguarding concerns.
You can withdraw your consent at any time — just contact your Lighthouse Leader.

How youth data is handled

We store the minimum data necessary to walk with your child: name, age range, contact details, parent/guardian contact, area of need, and their interactions with Lighthouse content and mentors.

Data is stored securely. Mentor notes are visible only to the assigned mentor, senior mentors and Lighthouse Leaders.

We do not sell or share data with third parties. We comply with UK GDPR.

You can request a copy of your child's data or its deletion at any time.

Emergency guidance

Lighthouse is not an emergency service. If your child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 999 or NHS 111 (press 2 for urgent mental health support).

For under-19s in distress: Childline 0800 1111 (free, 24/7).

For suicide prevention (under-35s): Papyrus HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141.

For confidential text support: text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

Contact your Lighthouse Leader

If you would like to speak directly with a Lighthouse Leader at Powerhouse Beacon — whether to ask a question, raise a concern, or simply introduce yourself — use the form on the main Lighthouse page and select 'Parent / Guardian enquiry' as your area of need. A leader will respond within two working days.