The Lighthouse is a service that provides a safe space to support children and young people, from 0-18, in their recovery from sexual abuse or exploitation. It will also support adults aged 18-25 with learning disabilities if The Lighthouse service best meets their needs. The service is provided by UCLH in partnership with the NSPCC. 

The Lighthouse follows a model known as Child House (‘Barnahus’) which started in Iceland. It has been proven to help reduce children’s trauma, gather better evidence from interviews and increase prosecutions for child sexual abuse. This is the first of its kind in the UK.  

We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals for children and young people in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

Referral

To make a referral, contact us on thelighthouse.ask@nhs.net or 020 3049 0010.

You can also download a referral form.

For immediate help for a child or young person who has suffered sexual assault within the last seven days, contact The Havens, the London sexual assault referral centre.

Video: The Lighthouse: a place of support for young people who've experienced sexual abuse

Address

The Lighthouse
7-9 Greenland Place
London NW1 0AP

Telephone

Public: 0808 169 8112

Professionals: 020 3049 0010

Email

thelighthouse.ask@nhs.net

Web

https://www.thelighthouse-london.org.uk/  

The Lighthouse is a multi-agency service for children and young people who have experienced any form of sexual abuse, including exploitation. We offer a child-centred approach, providing guidance and support to help children and young people on their journey of recovery.

At the Lighthouse we focus on getting children the right help at the right time, by putting everything they need under one roof. Medical, child and family support, ISVA and therapeutic support will be delivered from one place, here to offer a joined up approach to supporting children and young people. 

A child and family worker will guide children and their families through their journey towards recovery. This helps make sure they receive all the support they need easily and quickly. They will also supports children and young people through the court process. 

A play specialist will help children prepare for the medical assessments with the paediatrician who is supported by a nurse. The child or young person can be seen alone or with a parent, carer or trusted adult. 

A clinical psychologist can conduct the Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interview, with support from a police officer. By putting the young person’s emotional needs first we can help reduce re-traumatisation and gather the best evidence.

Early and long-term support is offered through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the NSPCC’s Letting the Future In (LTFI) service. This additional emotional support helps children and young people to recover. 

The Lighthouse is commissioned by NHS England, North Central London Integrated Care Board, MOPAC and the CPS.