Netherton: Learning to be a Scouse - The of Fun 4 Kidz and the L30 Community Centre

Netherton, a community nestled in the vibrant city of Liverpool, England, holds a rich history and a resilient spirit. Liverpool, a city known for its maritime heritage and cultural significance, has long been a hub of trade, diversity, and creativity. From its origins as a small fishing village in the 13th century to its pivotal role in the industrial revolution, Liverpool has evolved into a thriving metropolis with a distinct identity. The city's history is deeply intertwined with its working-class roots and the resilience of its people, who have overcome various challenges and setbacks throughout the years.

Within this larger historical context, the L30 Community Centre and Fun 4 Kidz Play and Child Care have emerged as beacons of hope and support for the Netherton community. Established in 1998, these organizations have grown to become vital pillars of the local community, addressing the needs of families and children while striving to tackle issues such as poverty and social disadvantage. Their commitment to uplifting the community reflects the spirit of Liverpool itself, where community bonds and a sense of togetherness are deeply valued.

Fun 4 Kidz, a registered charity founded in 1998, initially aimed to provide out-of-school clubs in Netherton. However, due to its excellent reputation and its ability to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of local communities, it has become an instrumental force in supporting families throughout Merseyside. Under the leadership of Deborah Stephens, Fun 4 Kidz now offers out-of-school childcare across nine afterschool clubs, multiple holiday clubs, and three breakfast clubs in eight different communities.

Deborah Stephens, who has been at the helm of Fun 4 Kidz and the L30 Community Centre for 23 years, embodies the community-centric approach that has been instrumental to their success. She understands that Netherton cannot be defined solely by data points, although it is characterized by high levels of poverty and disadvantage. Deborah has launched numerous projects to address inequalities and provide children and their families with opportunities for success. Out-of-school care was one such initiative, offering a safe, fun, and educational haven for children while parents pursued employment, training, or pathways to work.

The L30 Community Centre, located in Netherton, serves as the base for Deborah and her team. This charming and welcoming space employs local individuals who are deeply committed to their work. Many of the team members have been with the organization for over a decade, with some even surpassing two decades of service. This longevity is a testament to the authentic relationships, values-based work, and strong sense of community that permeate every aspect of their service offering.

Deborah's dedication to the community has not gone unnoticed. Her efforts and community-centric approach led to her receiving the esteemed British Empire Medal, a recognition awarded to only a select few out of the 66 million people in England. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact she has made in the lives of the people she serves.

COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for Deborah and her team, as well as for the entire Netherton community. However, they responded with resilience and determination, focusing on connection and engagement as key elements of survival during the pandemic. They organized fitness classes in the streets, provided packed lunches and activity packs, and established a community pantry to support families in need. Additionally, initiatives such as bus trips, community craft days, and high teas fostered intergenerational connections and brought people together.

Despite the remarkable work done by Fun 4 Kidz and the L30 Community Centre, challenges have arisen. Changes in government standards have made it difficult to explain to families that their services are now categorized differently - either meeting or not meeting, instead of exceeding the quality standards. However, the commitment to maintaining high-quality environments remains unwavering, driven by Deborah's insistence on providing the best for the children and families they serve.

Deborah's vision extends beyond simply providing childcare services. She recognizes the importance of integrating the needs of children, families, and the wider community when considering the work required. Fun 4 Kidz's out-of-school care services not only focus on care and positive play experiences for children but also create employment opportunities for families. Many individuals have been supported by Deborah and her team to gain employment and qualifications, empowering them to contribute to the well-being of their own families and the community.

The impact of Fun 4 Kidz and the L30 Community Centre goes beyond the immediate services they offer. They foster intergenerational connections, recognizing that both older and younger community members are vital contributors. By facilitating interactions between different generations through activities like crafting, karaoke, and even creating a Christmas grotto, they bridge the gap and create a sense of unity and understanding. The provision of free family photos and volunteering opportunities further strengthen these connections and reinforce the motto of "by the community, for the community."

Deborah's team operates from a building that exudes charm and warmth, where staff members purposefully refrain from wearing lanyards or keys to avoid any sense of differentiation. Volunteerism is highly valued, and pride in service delivery and community involvement runs deep. Their courses and bus trips often sell out within a day, and they have forged meaningful partnerships with philanthropists and even the renowned Liverpool Football Club. Leftover programs and pre-packaged food from the club are distributed to the community through L30, ensuring that no resources go to waste and everyone benefits.

In the face of challenges, Deborah's unwavering dedication to child-centered practice and building resilience and capacity in families shines through. She emphasizes the importance of play, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together. From foraging to building projects, storytelling to visiting residential care homes, and organizing events like "Meet your street," Fun 4 Kidz and the L30 Community Centre actively contribute to memory-making and strengthening community bonds.

As we reflect on the incredible work of Deborah Stephens, her team, and the community of Netherton, it becomes clear that their efforts extend far beyond the confines of childcare. They have transformed from an organization that simply provided community work to becoming a true community builder. By providing a space for people of all ages to connect and supporting initiatives that bring the community together, they have become a driving force for positive change. Despite the challenges they face, their commitment to building relationships and making a lasting impact on the community remains resolute.