The painting depicts the artist's view of the Whitehawk Inn as a place where people are drawn in and turned around.

The erstwhile drinking establishment has been turned into a support centre for long term unemployed people from Whitehawk. Director, Frances Duncan, says, “In the last year we have helped 120 people back into work by first giving them the confidence to believe that they can make the leap and then by giving them the skills to apply for and get jobs.”

Finances has been very tight this year and the organisation is facing an uncertain future if its funding gap of some £120,000 cannot be met. Public funding and grants are drying up and the directors of the organisation are taking a fresh look at how money can be raised.

The unveiling of the painting marks the launch of a campaign to raise funds through private sponsorship, personal donations and working with other organisations in the city to raise profile and get the message out to more people.

Photograph: Jerry Lebens, Photomedia