Friendship Circle Announces Launch of The Beacon

By Andrew Wilson

The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh announced the launch of The Beacon, a vibrant community space with a focus on uplifting and supporting the well-being and mental health of teens in high school. With an emphasis on self-care, peer support, and inclusion, The Beacon’s programming will offer teens strategies they can use to support themselves and one another.

The Beacon is located at 1926 Murray Avenue, next door to the Friendship Circle. It will provide a welcoming space where teens can connect, engage in wellness activities, and find support through peers and trained professionals. The Beacon will have open hours for gathering, and unique programming that introduces mindfulness and self-awareness skills and practices.

The Beacon is focused on addressing mental health as just one part of overall well-being. When necessary, The Beacon will also provide access and referrals to therapeutic support on an individualized basis.

The Beacon’s programming will provide a community where teens can learn to look inward and become aware of the state of their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The Beacon will offer inclusive groups on mindfulness, self-expression through the creative arts, befriending yourself and others, coping with social media, developing self-advocacy skills, finding purpose, setting boundaries, recognizing the need for help, and handling anxiety and depression. Additional specialized programming will include: coffee & conversation; painting; music and drum circles; yoga and meditation; visits from service animals; food preparation; gardening and planting; book club; social gatherings like podcast, movie, and open mic nights; and self-care nights.

The space was curated with intention, and will offer a wide array of cutting-edge sensory tools and architectural/design elements in a comforting atmosphere that meets young people where they are, inspiring them on their journey to wellness.

Starting in September, the space will function during after-school and evening hours, Monday through Thursday. Meanwhile, over the summer, The Beacon will host a number of events out of the space.

Interested teens can fill out the Contact Form at https://tinyurl.com/TheBeaconPGH.