How Beacon works

Real support, real people,
real privacy.

Beacon connects people who need support with volunteer Beacons — anonymously, safely, and entirely on your terms.

Two paths, one community

Whether you need support or want to give it, Beacon has a place for you.

For people seeking support

Members

1

Create an anonymous profile

No real name required. Choose a display name, emoji avatar, and keep your identity private.

2

Choose what kind of support you need

Tell us what brings you here — loneliness, grief, accountability, recovery, or something else entirely.

3

Browse personality-first Beacon profiles

See who volunteers, what they care about, and how they communicate — before you ever reach out.

4

Request a connection

Send a connection request to a Beacon whose style feels right for you.

5

Agree on communication preferences

Set boundaries, check-in frequency, and communication style together before you begin.

6

Begin your journey

Message, set goals, journal, or hold each other accountable — at whatever pace works for you.

7

Change or end at any time

You are always in control. Switch Beacons or close a connection whenever you choose.

Find support

For volunteer Beacons

Volunteers

1

Create an anonymous volunteer profile

Your legal name stays private. Your public profile shows your personality, experience, and support style.

2

Choose your support roles and specialties

Select from listener, accountability partner, coach, mentor, peer supporter, and more.

3

Add experience and credentials

Share lived experience, achievements, and optional verified credentials — clearly labeled.

4

Complete safety training

A short training module covers boundaries, crisis response, and platform guidelines.

5

Receive connection requests

Review requests that match your experience and availability. Accept what fits.

6

Support members with clear boundaries

You are a peer, not a therapist. Beacon gives you the tools and guidelines to help safely.

7

Pause availability whenever needed

Life happens. Pause your profile at any time with one tap.

Become a Beacon

Privacy and safety first

Beacon is built around one principle: you should never have to choose between getting help and staying safe.

Anonymous by design

No real names, no photos, no location data on public profiles.

On-platform only

All conversations stay inside Beacon. Beacons are trained not to request outside contact.

Trained volunteers

Every Beacon completes safety training covering boundaries, crisis response, and platform rules.

Crisis resources always visible

The Help Now button is always one tap away and connects directly to 988 and emergency services.

Beacon is not an emergency service

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises, call or text 988.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to take the first step?

You do not have to figure this out alone.