I recently visited the Whitehawk Inn and spent a couple of hours with its inspirational director, Frances Duncan. To say I was impressed by its range of facilities and achievements would be an understatement. I think it was the best example of what I have seen either locally, nationally or internationally. I came back to the office saying that the Whitehawk Inn had set the bar impressively high, and that BHT had much to do to catch up!
So it was with huge concern that I read in today’s Argus that its future is in doubt. Frances says that this “training centre is at serious risk unless we can persuade individuals and businesses across Sussex to support a campaign that could fund many more years of helping people to find confidence and success through learning and work, and make a significant contribution to lowering the county’s unemployment figures.”
The appeal has already had the backing of Des Pritchard (chief fire officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue) and Chief Inspector Graham Bartlett (Sussex Police’s commander for Brighton and Hove).
Yesterday I was at the City Forum, organised by DemSoc Brighton, where charitable giving to local charities was discussed and some great ideas were put forward. However, it sounds as though we need to act fast in the case of the Whitehawk Inn.
I fear that the situation facing the Whitehawk Inn is not unique, but I feel very strongly that this resource is particularly important, not least for women in Whitehawk, whose life choices are greatly enhanced by this amazing facility.
For more information please look at http://www.whinn.org.uk/.
