Saints Student Lounge

ThinkHigher collaborated with Saints Cafe in Nuneaton alongside Together for Change back in 2021 to create and launch an inclusive Student Lounge every Wednesday 3pm - 5.30pm in term time.

It is an exclusive space for students in Year 10 – Year 13, staffed by Thinkhigher, where students can work on school/college work, access laptops and printing facilities, relax with their friends or talk to one of our ambassadors from University of Warwick and Coventry University about anything they are unsure of or would like support with.

"The student lounge has been incredible at providing a space for me to come and do some work and have a hot drink in a warm place... I was always rubbish at getting my college work done at home."

A place for young people

Youth services nationally have been cut since 2010 and the pandemic has only led to further difficulties. Many youth services closed due to lockdown and unfortunately have never been able to reopen due to lack of money and resources.

Between 2010 -2019 youth services were cut be £400 million which led to 4,500 youth work jobs being lost and more than 760 youth centres closing (Unison 2019).

Food Poverty

One aspect of the student lounge is providing food and a hot drink to all students that attend. We hope to make a small difference to the child food poverty crisis which is currently happening. Child food Poverty has nearly doubled in the last 5 years and this is why tackling this issue is a main priority for The Student Lounge (Trussel Trust 2021).

Digital Poverty

The Student Lounge works to try to reduce the digital gap by providing laptops, printers, and Wi-Fi. We believe in creating a more equal society and help in a small way to close this digital divide through widening access to these facilities, free of charge.

Information, Advice and Guidance

Young people using the Student Lounge will have consistent support from staff on a weekly basis. We can provide informal mentoring and support to young people who may not seek this out otherwise. We want to open up a conversation about their next steps and where students can turn to for support.