A WOMAN whose life was saved by a community centre she calls her “second family” has told of her devastation over its possible closure.

Alanna McIntyre, 71, of Wiston Road, Brighton, first sought help from the Whitehawk Inn when she separated from her husband who suffered from mental health problems.

When he later committed suicide, Alanna said the Whitehawk Inn helped her through times of extreme mental and physical stress.

After hearing that the charity Brighton Housing Trust, which owns it, can no longer afford to keep ir running and that the centre is likely to close at the end of March Alanna spoke about how important its services have been to her life.

She said: “The Whitehawk Inn gave me a focus outside my family and personal problems. It gave me back some autonomy in my life.

“The Whitehawk Inn was like a second family to me and a place where I felt embraced, needed and wanted.

“It gave me my confidence back.

“To quantify this on a monetary basis is impossible but I know I have met a lot of other people over the years I have been there, I have seen the life-changing effect the compassionate, holistic effect the Whitehawk’s Inn and staff and surroundings have had on users. It’s like a family who greets you and will try their best to support you in whatever way is appropriate.

“It provides a unique service, where today often people feel they are ignored and not worth bothering about.

“The possible ending of this invaluable service is unthinkable and I will do everything within my power to see that it carries on.

“I am lucky enough to be articulate and have family but this service is priceless to those who are less fortunate than me. The Whitehawk Inn helped me turn my life around.”

Alanna has been both a volunteer and a service user at the centre – which provides support, advice and training for people in east Brighton.

After taking a creative writing course she started writing a book.

She also took numerous other classes including the drama group, thai chi, ceramics, mosaics, watercolour and exercise courses.

She has won an adult learner of the year award and several achievement awards and volunteer awards over the years.

She added: “I enjoy making people aware of the personal service that the Whitehawk Inn gives people, their courses, their careers advice, debt advice and support.

“This is what the Whitehawk Inn does.

“It enables, facilitates and embraces all its users so how much more must it do for others?”

In a personal message to all those who have helped her she added: “Thank you for all your support and long may your priceless service continue.”