Local ecumenical church leaders
A new community hub dedicated to bringing people together, tackling inequality and creating opportunities has officially opened in the Bar Pool area of Nuneaton.
Saints Bar Pool, the latest initiative from Together for Change (TFC) in partnership with local churches and Warwickshire County Council, welcomed guests and partners on Monday 27th July to celebrate the opening of the transformed community space on Vernons Lane.
The project builds on the success of Saints Central in Nuneaton town centre and represents another significant investment in one of Warwickshire's most disadvantaged communities. Located in an old fishing shop, Saints Bar Pool has been renovated into a welcoming community café and social enterprise where local people can access support, develop new skills, build friendships and take part in activities shaped by the needs of the neighbourhood.
Jet Jones interviewing Saints staff and local business leaders
The opening brought together representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, local churches, community organisations and funding partners who have worked collaboratively to bring the vision to life. The project has been made possible through the Warwickshire County Council Social Fabric Fund, which invested in innovative approaches to strengthening communities and improving outcomes for residents.
As with Saints Central, the café at Saints Bar Pool will operate as a social enterprise, with income generated being reinvested into projects that benefit local people. Alongside serving affordable food and drink, the hub will host community groups, training opportunities, wellbeing activities and support services, helping address challenges including unemployment, skills development, education, financial hardship and social isolation.
Cllr George Finch, Head of Warwickshire County Council and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, alongside Bishop Rob Whickham, CEO of CUF, and Cheryl Rawbone, High Sheriff Nominee, alongside local partners and delegates.
The project reflects TFC's commitment to working alongside churches, statutory agencies and community partners to bring lasting transformation to areas experiencing deprivation. Other projects TFC have worked on include partnering with St Catherine’s, Stoke Aldermoor to oversee the creation of a brand-new church and community facility, and establishing winter warm hubs at churches across the diocese. Rather than imposing solutions, Saints Bar Pool has been designed to listen to local residents and respond to the aspirations and challenges they identify themselves.
Jet Jones, CEO of Together for Change and Director of Regeneration and Community Transformation for the Diocese of Coventry said:
“The core mission of the project will be to provide a community-led warm welcome for local people to enjoy, access activities and courses, and engage with various agencies and partners. The project will have a particular focus on tackling issues related to health, unemployment, training, education, skills development, income and crime, as well as any further issues identified through local people.”
Jet Jones interviewing people who have been supported by Saints central.
Bishop of Coventry, Bishop Sophie Jelley, said:
“It is very encouraging to see spaces being created where people can come together within our communities; spaces offering hope alongside practical support. I am enthused by the vision to be a life-giving presence in the heart of Bar Pool: meeting people where they are, offering welcome, practical help, and opportunities to move towards brighter futures.
I want to offer my deep appreciation for the team at Together for Change and my gratitude to all those who have worked hard to bring this project to life. Particular thanks are due to our partners and friends who have shared our commitment to help communities flourish and thrive across Warwickshire.”
Bishop Rob Wickham, Group Chief Executive of Church Urban Fund, said:
“The opening of Saints Bar Pool is a symbol that points towards the abundant treasures that are within the local community. Their asset-based approach of love, support and learning, brings new hope within the local neighbourhood. This is only possible through a unique place-based relationship between the Church, Civil Society and the Local Authority. Together they have already discovered that this crafted partnership brings the greatest benefits for everyone.”
Saints Bar Pool opened to customers on Wednesday 29th July. Whether dropping in for a coffee, joining an activity, volunteering or seeking support, local people are invited to make the space their own and become part of a growing community rooted in welcome, belonging and hope.
Find out more about Saints Bar Pool on their website, Facebook and Instagram.