Working through the Lighthouse Project our vision is to inspire and encourage people to achieve...to help them tackle problems, break down barriers, learn new skills, engage in new interests, or to make new friends all of which builds up their confidence.

Why the community needs us
We offer unique services and support in our area, seeing around 35,000 visits a year.

Visitors come to job hunt, find work, learn computer skills, get help with debts or benefits, access emergency food, save money, make friends, attend health & social activities, learn how to cook, make cards, paint & much more. We definitely make a difference & are a lifeline of support for many.

We provide 'wrap-around' services such as Lighthouse Money Advice, helping people with debts, benefits, and financial issues, the Lighthouse Pantry and Middleton Central Foodbank which help families experiencing food poverty, or food crisis.

We host other organisations in the centre offering regular drop-in services making us a true 'community hub' where visitors can access multiple services in one safe, friendly and welcoming location.

Our impact on the community
We average over 140 visitors per day, some days twice that amount. We help 1000's of people each year to face challenges, tackle problems and improve their life chances.

We offer weekly and monthly courses, activities, and drop-ins; including free internet sessions, basic computer courses, social and leisure groups, art & painting, card making, photography, a veterans group, council benefits advice, volunteer support, knitting groups, cooking classes, a work club, CV workshops, health and wellbeing courses, Word and Excel workshops, etc.

In 2024 we distributed 70 tonnes of food to 1,000+ families, the equivalent of over 169,000 meals, through the foodbank and Pantry valued at £194,000 helping families reduce their food costs, or supporting them in crisis.