Benefact Trust’s annual grants to dioceses fund a range of activities that are focused on community engagement, social action, education and more. In Coventry, our grant is funding a Director of Regeneration, Jet Jones, to spearhead a range of social impact projects making a huge difference to disadvantaged communities.
In her role, Jet heads up the Joint Venture (JV), Together for Change Coventry and Warwickshire (TfC) – a partnership between the diocese and Church Urban Fund (CUF). In January 2020, Jet’s most recent project came to fruition with the opening of phase one of Saints – a landmark building in Nuneaton that has, over the years, been a Conservative Club, a dance hall and a nightclub.
It was Jet’s vision to transform this rough diamond into a facility that would provide a range of support to families and young people, particularly those struggling to make ends meet, and remove barriers to them building a brighter future. With the help of a collection of Nuneaton Churches and Christian organisations who share Jet’s passion for bringing community transformation to the heart of Nuneaton, the ground floor has now opened as a new Enterprise and Equip Centre.
“Our mission for Saints Nuneaton is to tackle unemployment and lack of education, enhance physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and to inspire and connect people through the creative arts.” - Jet Jones, Director of Regeneration, Together for Change
The stained glass windows have been opened up and the nightclub carpet removed to reveal a beautiful parquetry floor, creating a light, open space that has been decorated and furnished in keeping with the building’s Art Deco history.
The ground floor is split into an enterprise/training room, a children’s free play area run by qualified staff (so that parents can access support, training and enterprise opportunities without the need to organise childcare, as well as enjoy each other’s company) and a marketplace for young people to sell products they have made at stalls they can rent for only £3.50 per day. The family owned café that was next door has also expanded into the space and will offer training to young people with Saints’ support.
