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We are based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, the Lighthouse Hostel is a residential homeless facility for men. Our mission is to empower men to grow in confidence and ability by supporting them in their personal development towards independence and enable them to enjoy life and become a positive contributor to society.
The Lighthouse Hostel is funded by Supporting People and our support process corresponds with the requirements for the Supporting People QAF (Quality Assessment Framework). This framework creates accountability for both staff and residents whilst achieving results through supported independent living.
There are many individuals and organisations walking with us on our journey. Their assistance is invaluable and ranges from food donations, investing time, offering single donations to ongoing financial assistance. We are eternally grateful to everyone who involves themselves in the success of the hostel and to the support of our residents.
Would you like to help or support us?
The Lighthouse is covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is aimed at single homeless men, between the ages of 18 and 65. The housing support lasts as long as 2 years, allowing our residents time to procure new housing.
Anyone who wishes to become a resident of the Lighthouse must be referred to us by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
Clients either convicted of or currently with outstanding charges awaiting court proceedings for Schedule 1 offences of a sexual manner.
Clients assessed as high risk such as a history of violence or arson.
Anyone who holds an active tenancy elsewhere.
Females or juveniles under the age of 18.
Foreign nationals who do not hold a current NINO – (National Insurance Number) The Lighthouse will also take into consideration the current mix of residents to ensure there are no risks to them.
In the case the resident does not meet the criteria they will be referred back to the NIHE (if they are FDA status) before 16:30 so as they can obtain accommodation for them. The reason for non acceptance will be provided both verbally and in writing to the resident.
The Lighthouse Hostel will do all it can within reason to help any resident who does not meet the Lighthouse criteria and is not FDA status and therefore cannot be referred back to NIHE.
All referrals must be initiated through the NIHE Ballymena.
This includes NIHE offices both inside and outside of the Ballymena District area who must first contact Ballymena NIHE as the District Office.
Clients meeting NIHE FDA (Full Duty Applicant) status will be referred, however residents not meeting the FDA status may still present themselves to the Lighthouse after first being interviewed by the NIHE.
Referrals from the NIHE will be made Monday to Friday between 9:30 and 15:00 in order for an interview and risk assessment to be completed.
If there is availability an interview will be held with the resident and a risk assessment completed.
The resident’s permission will then be sought in order to contact other agencies they may be in contact with or have been in contact with in order to complete the risk assessment.
If the resident has resided at the Lighthouse previously their file will be reviewed and relevant information pertaining to risk will be considered in their application before offer of accommodation made.
Yes, anyone who wishes to appeal the decision of non acceptance may do so in writing within five working days to the:
Lighthouse Management Committee
2-4 Railway Street
Ballymena
BT42 2AB
The Lighthouse Team come from many different backgrounds with each individual bringing different strengths, skills, personalities and approaches to the organisation. This results in a well rounded service to our residents.
Fun fact: Did you know that in order to run the Lighthouse twenty four hours a day, seven days a week it takes 8 full time staff, 2 relief workers, 2 bank staff, a cleaning assistant, an administrator, a support officer, and the manager.
Time in Post
9 Years
What do you like about working in the Lighthouse?
Working with people and problem solving.
Which of these is an interesting and true fact about me?
A) I have lived in three continents.
B) I have earned a million and lost a million.
C) I have completed over 100 parachute jumps.
Hover over to find out!
Time in Post
6 Years
What do you like about working in the Lighthouse?
I love the Lighthouse as every day is different.
Which of these is an interesting and true fact about me?
A) I speak 3 languages.
B) I read 5 books per week.
C) I have met the queen.
Hover over to find out!