Lee House
Lee House is an employment and rehabilitation centre which provides a structured, supportive environment with focused education and employment pathways for its members, to progress from supported mental health services into mainstream opportunities.
Our aim is to provide an encouraging environment for people to achieve their full potential and meet their training or employment goals. This is done by providing 3 main units, a variety of courses and groups and promoting a good work-life balance for all members. Our ethos is underpinned by the Recovery Model and Social inclusion principals.
Members work with staff to create individual development plans for their goals at Lee House and we utilise the Recovery Star to aid members in monitoring their progress.
The Administration Unit
Tutors facilitate a 10 week basic computer course including Word Excel, Introduction to the internet and Photoshop. Tutors encourage members to complete the courses, so they can be confident and competent in computing. The centre has links with other community organisations and the local college and encourages members to go onto achieve qualifications following completion of our courses.
We also offer voluntary work placements for members on reception and within the admin suite. Members also produce a quarterly newsletter called the 'Optimist'
The Catering Unit
This unit provides the learning opportunity of a variety of skills relating to the catering industry. Both training and voluntary work placements are offered in a fully functioning catering environment,
Tutors facilitate -
- City and Guilds Certificate in Hospitality and Catering, Entry Level 3.
- Basic food hygiene certificate
- Basic cookery course (six weeks)
- Cake baking
Also members learn to run the daily meal provision in the café, the coffee bar and trained members take part in contract work which can earn permitted earnings.
The Horticulture Unit
This unit offers a full range of training and employment skills whilst embodying the principles of Horticulture Therapy. Lee House has a large award winning garden and 40 ft greenhouse to maintain and learn skills within.
Tutors facilitate City and Guilds Certificate in Horticulture Level 1
Trained members take part in contract work in a variety of community venues, which can earn permitted earnings.
Plant Sales
The centre is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10-4pm and Saturday 12-5pm for plant sales. The members are trained in customer service and money management. Members also take Lee House plants to local fetes and markets.
Other courses and groups
- photography
- introduction to sound engineering
- pottery (with onsite kiln)
- English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) Classes
- yoga
- creative art course
- literacy classes
- Turkish weaving
- Creative music course
There is also a weekly Hearing Voices Group to offer facilitated and peer support for members who experience various forms of auditory or visual phenomena.
Employment specialist
Lee House offers support for members to work towards their employment goals. This includes; 1:1 CV building, job search, application/ interview support, job coaching, voluntary positions within Lee House and a weekly Job Club. The employment specialist also works with employers to support them in recruiting and retaining job seekers who use mental health services.
Social club
Lee House has a social club on Monday and Wednesday 5-8pm and Saturday 12-6pm. This is a chance for members to catch up with friends, play games, watch films and experience tasty Lee House food.
The Light Sleepers Band
Formed in 2006, the members of the Light Sleepers record their own music and regularly perform at large events in East London. They can be booked to provide an uplifting gig or background music at any events. You can here them here www.myspace.com/thelightsleeperslondon
Room hire and contracts
We have medium and small meeting rooms to hire with equipment (flipchart, laptop, projector, TV, DVD). Room hire can also come with refreshments or food provision.
Lee House aims to provide quality in what we do, from the freshness of the food and finished gardens to a personalised customer service throughout a contract with the centre.
Please contact: Rachael.bailey@hackney.gov.uk for room hire or any contract re catering or gardening.
Referral
The membership criteria is; aged 18-65, have a primary diagnosis of mental health issues and are a resident of Hackney. Out of borough members can be facilitated if the funding is in place. For more information see Lee House Referral Procedure.
Please contact the Centre manager, Suzanne Smith on 020 7275 9100 or Suzanne.smith@hackney.gov.uk with any further queries.
Page updated: 18 Nov 2011
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