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Community Involvement
CE Steve Rawlings champions cultural change

Spurred on by the personal commitment of CE Steve Rawlings, Lakehouse has developed strong links with homeless charities such as St Mungo's, Broadway, Thames Reach and Chapter 1. Steve was inspired to get involved after an introduction to St Mungo's, through London Borough of Camden. Soon after, Steve and Community Development Manager Claire Williams paid a visit to 'Bricks and Mortar' and 'Revive', two training schemes set up by St Mungo's to support homeless people into employment. At the end of their training, successful candidates are provided further opportunities through the St Mungo's social enterprise.

Steve saw an opportunity for Lakehouse to make a difference by mentoring the trainees at 'Bricks and Mortar' and 'Revive', and providing work experience opportunities. Steve is investing his own time to help the St Mungo's social enterprise with business planning and organisational development, also providing the same service for Thames Reach, which has a similar model and social enterprise. This has included the secondment of General Manager Gerry Pitman, Lakehouse's longest serving employee, who was appointed to manage the social enterprise at St Mungo's. Through this connection Gerry first met Junior Mentore, a candidate who had successfully completed a number of St Mungo's training initiatives. Gerry was impressed by Junior's natural enthusiasm and seeing his potential, recommended Junior for a full time position working for Lakehouse.

Steve and Claire selected a project with a well established direct labour team, close to Junior's home in Southwark. Junior is now working as a decorator on the London and Quadrant voids programme in Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham. The site team are providing mentoring and support in a safe environment, ensuring that Junior can make the most of his new employment opportunity.