Inspire Middleton

Inspire Middleton

0161 643 1163

Our purpose is to empower, inspire, and support local people to achieve...

Through the Lighthouse Project our vision is to inspire and encourage people to achieve...

We do this by valuing, empowering, and helping them. We help people to tackle their problems, and to break down barriers that limit their progress. We encourage them to learn new skills and engage in interests that empower them and build up their confidence. Our door is open to anyone, and we support all ages and backgrounds.

Why the community needs us
The Lighthouse Project averages around 30,000 visits a year from people who need help and support that they are not necessarily able to get elsewhere. The combination of our services and activities we offer is unique in our area.

Visitors come for many reasons such as to job hunt, find work, learn internet & computer skills, set up CV's, get help with debts or benefits, access emergency food, to save money, make friends, attend health & social activities, learn how to cook, make cards, paint & much more. In these challenging times we definitely make a difference & are a lifeline of support for many.

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

We also draw help and support from other organisations providing regular drop-in services this makes us a true 'community hub' where visitors can access multiple services in one safe, friendly and safe location.

Our impact on the community
We average over 120 visitors per day, some days twice that amount. We've helped 1000's of people improve their employment chances, set up CV's and email accounts.

We run and host 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 group, cooking classes, CV workshop, health and wellbeing courses, Word and Excel workshops, etc.

In 2023 we provided over 80,000 meals from the foodbank supporting just under 3,000 adults and children. The Pantry supported 370 families who collectively visited the pantry over 4600 times to reduce their weekly family food costs, saving up to a £1,000 a year.

The Lighthouse Money Advice service provides much needed face-to-face support, and relieved over £560,000 of debt supporting 510 people who were collectively facing debts of over £1.3 million, resulting in significant reductions of debt, as well as supporting a combination of over £380,000 of increased benefits or expenditure reductions.

Debt is a major source of stress and mental health difficulties, and amongst the practical benefits of resolving debt issues, or preventing evictions our debt service also brings significant improvements to clients mental health and wellbeing.

Volunteers needed

We are regularly looking for volunteers in all kinds or roles to help with the day-to-day running of the Lighthouse Project including reception, coffee bar, general support using computers, employability skills, crafts and leisure activities, cleaning, odd-jobs, etc. Get in touch for more information. Help us inspire and support people to improve themselves. In doing so you will be helping us be the place where people get the support they need to improve their lives.

What your gift could provide

£20

A months membership of the Lighthouse Pantry - reducing household food costs

£50

An emergency food parcel for a family - from the Foodbank

£100

Free monthly access to the internet for visitors who are digitally excluded

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Telephone: 0161 643 1163

Address: Lighthouse Project, S6c Second Floor, Middleton Shopping Centre, Limetrees Road, Middleton Greater Manchester M24 4EL

Established in: 2008

Registered charity no.: 1126093