From Isolation to Inspiration

How Big Local Rebuilt a Community and a Life

In the heart of Windmill Hill, Runcorn, stands St. Bert’s Church. It is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of what can happen when people come together. This is perfectly illustrated by the remarkable journey of two women, Nikki Gascoigne and Carole Lewis. Their story, as a result of Big Local, is one of shared vision, unwavering dedication and the revitalisation of a community hub that has, in turn, revitalised lives.

Nikki

Nikki’s journey to St. Bert’s began in 2017, but her connection to Windmill Hill started much earlier. Moving from nearby Murdishaw in 2000, she initially felt unsure about the area, having heard negative things about it. Years later, plagued by chronic agoraphobia, Nikki (pictured front left in above image) found herself confined to her home for four and a half years. Even simple things, like taking her child to school, felt impossible. An article in the Windmill Hill Big Local newsletter about the new vicar at St. Bert’s and the opening of a community café at the church provided an opportunity to try and overcome her anxiety.

Gathering all her courage, Nikki visited the church, a moment she describes as life-changing. She immediately felt welcomed and accepted and it changed everything. “St. Bert’s made me who I am today,” she says.

Not wanting to get too involved at first, Nikki just volunteered at Big Local events to begin with. But when she heard the monthly lunch club at St. Bert’s might close, she knew she had to do more. She wanted the church to be a place for everyone and a hub for the community she now called home.

Carole

It was at St. Bert’s that she met Carole Lewis (pictured in centre of above image wearing red top). Carole, a retired social worker, had been going to St. Bert’s for years. She also believed the church should be open and active every day of the week. “The café was the start,” Carole remembers. “Then, with Big Local’s help, things really took off. We all shared the same dream and the catalyst for all of this was Big Local.”

Big Local

Big Local’s support was crucial, but the project needed champions. When the vicar moved on in 2020, Carole stepped up, determined to keep the project going. Some residents were worried that the changes would bring problems, with increased noise and parking problems. Nikki, now a confident voice within the community, played a vital role in addressing these concerns. She talked to everyone, explaining honestly and openly what was happening. This proved vital in allaying people’s concerns.

A force of nature

Carole could be described as a force of nature. “She runs the café and organises a ‘grab and go’ service here, where she collects free food from supermarkets that people can take home, no questions asked. She’s also a fundraising genius!” says Dan Ellis.

Dan is the development manager at Groundwork Cheshire Lancashire Merseyside, Windmill Hill Big Local’s locally trusted organisation (the organisation chosen by a Big Local partnership to administer and account for the spending of Big Local funding on their behalf). Carole’s tireless efforts were instrumental in securing funding from multiple sources. Managing seven different funders and their individual deadlines was a monumental task. “We were under tremendous pressure,” Carole admits.

Sleepless nights

For Nikki, the project brought sleepless nights, worrying about whether the revitalised church would truly serve the community. But the results speak for themselves. St. Bert’s is now a thriving hub, hosting youth groups, dance classes, scout meetings, and more. “There is a lot going on here for youths which didn’t happen before,” Carole notes, while also striving to expand the offerings and increase social cohesion. Plans are underway to develop the church garden for environmental projects, community gardening, and even therapeutic gardening to further promote mental wellbeing.

Leaving a legacy

The redevelopment of St. Bert’s is a tangible legacy of Windmill Hill Big Local, but the project’s impact extends beyond bricks and mortar. For Nikki, it represents a personal transformation. “It’s just been such a positive experience,” she says. “I’ve gone from not being able to get out of the house and now I’m talking to anybody and everybody.” Her journey, from isolation to active participation in her community, is a testament to the power of connection and the transformative potential of Big Local.

The story of Nikki and Carole and the revitalisation of St. Bert’s is a story of community, resilience and the sheer power you can harness when you have a shared vision.