About us
We are a community led organisation in Brighton providing information and advice about learning and work, and a range of support activities for adults. For those who are looking to go back to work we offer careers advice, employment support and a range of tailored resources.
Our Approach
Three principles drive our approach:
- aspiration - we work with people to raise their expectations of living fulfilled and productive lives
- empowerment - we provide accessible opportunities locally and help people to make plans and take actions
- advancement - we support individuals as they move forward in their lives, having a positive and inspiring effect on their families and friends
We work with residents, learners, providers, community workers, groups and others to gain a detailed understanding of the needs and wants of individuals and of trends in the community. We then talk to providers and broker a rich and accessible programme of learning and support towards employment.
We provide a range of wrap around support which is tailored to individual circumstances - these are designed to help people overcome the most common barriers of lack of childcare, poverty, poor health.
Our Success
- Since 1999 more than 7,000 people have used one or more of the services provided by The Whitehawk Inn
- 70% of these live in an area of deprivation and 92% have known barriers to participation that result in social exclusion, poverty, low educational attainment and skill levels, poor work prospects, poor health and family breakdown.
- In recent years, we have increased our focus on supporting those who have experienced long term unemployment, providing additional support beyond statutory provision. Between 2007 and 2010, we supported 200 people back to work, 48 of them in the last 12 months.
- Many residents report an improvement in their quality of life as a result of engaging with the project. This is characterised by increased self confidence, increased motivation, feeling more connected to other individuals and to the community, being more active in their families and in their community and reporting an improvement in their mental and physical health.
Our Story
The Whitehawk Inn opened its doors as an IT training provider in 1999, working with unemployed residents of East Brighton. In 2004, we changed our working model, moving away from direct training provision to focus on understanding the needs and wants of the community and to work with partners to develop and deliver a broader range of training. Since 2007 we have extended the range of activities and service that support those who are long term unemployed, providing additional support beyond statutory provision.
We’re now known and respected as a key part of the community - no longer the community pub, now the community hub!
Working with us
Working with other organisations is key to providing responsive and relevant project activities.
We welcome approaches from:
- training and employment advice providers who are funded to work with our clients groups
- specialist agencies who have expertise and experience in working with identified and emergent groups
- community events organisers, to invite us to be part of outreach at local venues
- organisers of local fora and groups that advocate and campaign, raise the common profile, share information & good practice
- organisations wishing to be use the WHI for training (one off sessions or longer courses), meetings and activities
- organisations wishing to rent office space and be based at the WHI
Latest News
Check back here regularly for all the latest news on activities at The Whitehawk Inn including news on important fundraising initiatives.
Little Drama Group
This friendly group welcomes people from all walks of life. Build your self-confidence & explore different aspects of acting; including reading our own work out loud, studying poetry & scripts and developing public speaking skills. Donations welcome. Friday mornings drop-in 9.45am-12pm
Brighton marathon 2013 charity partner
The Whitehawk Inn was delighted to have been selected as one of just six local charity partners for the 2012 Brighton Marathon.
If you are planning to run - why not run for us in 2013 - wear the WHI t-shirt and raise money to contribute to the ongoing success of the WHI. Call us on 01273 682222 or email whitehawkinn@whinn.org.uk.
We will help to keep you on track with your preparation and support you in your fund-raising.
monthly newsletter - read all about it!
adult learner of the year
Congratulations to Georgie Macanley for being this year’s Adult of the Year. The 2012 award ceremony will take place at Hove town hall on the 15th May.
Georgie has really achieved during this past year. Through some difficult times Georgie has worked hard to get her IT qualifications and is now volunteering to support others with her new found confidence and knowledge. We are extremely privileged to have Georgie as part of the team at The Whitehawk Inn. Thank you!
Congratulations Cliff!
Cliff has been coming to The Whitehawk Inn since 2002 and we would like to congratulate him on his success. Cliff has worked with learndirect at The Whitehawk Inn over the past year and has now passed Levels 1 & 2 literacy, Levels 1 & 2 ITQ and ECDL, an amazing achievement in a short time!
Previous News
Here is information about previous news and events that you may have missed.
Our volunteer fundraising committee has successfully raised over £2500
whi wins Charity of the Year
More than 700 guests at the Theatre Royal saw Frances Duncan receive the Charity of the Year Award at the annual Argus Achievements Awards event on behalf of the Whitehawk Inn.
As she received the award, Frances remarked that the award recognised the work that had been going on for 11 years in an incredible part of Brighton and Hove.
Local artist presents painting of the inn
In September a new painting of the Whitehawk Inn by local artist Julie-anne Gilburt sponsored by local businessman Mike Holland, was unveiled.
The event marked the launch of a campaign to raise funds through private sponsorship, personal donations and working with other organisations in the city and to raise the profile of the wonderful place that is the Whitehawk Inn.
The painting is now hanging in the cafe at the Inn.
Fundraising and information update
The Committee are still seeking active volunteer members who may have a few hours available each month.
Would you like to find out more?
If you would like to be part of this fun and dynamic team, please contact John Parsons at john@centercom.co.uk
Fundraising has continued to be successful from supermarket collections so far at Lidl, Asda and Sainsburys.
The Whitehawk Inn Cafe tabletop sales, including the beautiful hand-made greeting cards by Alanna McIntyre, are proving very popular, so a big thank you to all customers concerned.
