Whitehawk Inn

Sadly the Whitehawk Inn, a popular Brighton community centre providing information advice and learning services, had to close at the end of March 2023, as it was no longer financially viable.

We are liaising closely with clients who used the centre to try to mitigate the impact of its closure. We will continue to run certain services, such as MoneyWorks, which offers financial advice and digital inclusion classes, using alternative community venues and remote working.

Chief Executive David Chaffey's statement about Whitehawk Inn closure

BHT Sussex took on the Whitehawk Inn in 2015 when it faced imminent closure and we were determined to save the project as a highly valuable, and valued, resource and community venue for the residents of East Brighton – people living in the most deprived area of our city.

We are proud to have kept the service running for 7 years, and deeply regret that without additional stable income, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the service.

In the current very challenging economic climate we must do all we can to protect our core services around homelessness, advice provision, addiction, housing advice, mental health, and housing. The reality is that continuing to support the Whitehawk Inn will directly affect our ability to do that in the future. These aspects of our work remain the key components of our mission and must be our priority to continue to provide.

The Whitehawk Inn provides services beyond being a local community support service and adult education centre.

Helen was referred to us by the Discretionary Payment team at Brighton and Hove City Council.  She wanted advice on how to reduce her deficit monthly budget. A significant rent increase had caused a monthly deficit.

In Helen's support session, we completed a monthly budget planner. We then discussed options available to her to reduce the deficit, including income maximisation (for example, renting out her second bedroom, working part time, and downsizing) and reducing outgoings such as cheaper utility bills, water etc., and grants which she may be eligible for through the Council, Turn2Us and utility trust funds.

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