The community heroes making a difference in deprived areas of Parr

Published in 2019, the government's Index of Deprivation placed St Helens as the 26th most deprived local authority in England, with areas such as Parr containing neighbourhoods in the top 5% and 1% most deprived.

Deprivation can place a real challenge on a person's life opportunities, and the reality of these statistics is that places like Parr have had double the rate of premature deaths and have an estimated life expectancy around ten years younger than the least deprived areas in the borough.

A pandemic, cost of living crisis, and a decade of austerity cuts has inevitably made things worse, and high deprivation levels have contributed towards excess covid deaths, mental health challenges, and a huge jump in food and income insecurity.

However, while these statistics are worrying, there are people in the community who work tirelessly to address these figures, support those struggling, and change perceptions about the area.

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'It feels quite special here'

Volunteers say there is a special atmosphere at the warm hub and food bank (Image: St Helens Star)
One of the people who is committed to helping the community in Parr is Cath Brooks, who works for the Torus Foundation and organises a variety of initiatives to support residents or signpost them to other services.

This includes a weekly food bank and warm hub at Derbyshire Hill Family Centre, which grew from a pandemic routine and now takes place every Wednesday morning.

"It's funny because when people first started coming here, there used to be silence because everyone was on their own and didn't want to speak to anyone, but now you can't shut them up!", Cath tells me.

"There is a core group that comes every week and others that drop in and out, but there is a really lovely atmosphere and everyone tells me about their problems.

"You do hear stories about people really struggling but they keep coming back which shows we are doing something right. 

“It actually feels quite special here because we are reaching the people who aren't accessing other services, and we always direct them to what's out there."

'The increase in people coming in is frightening'

Paul (middle) at volunteers at the Derbyshire Hill food bank (Image: St Helens Star)
At the food bank and warm hub on Derbyshire Hill Road, there is no denying that there is an affable atmosphere, where anybody is welcome to pick up food items and come in for a cup of tea or chat without any judgment.

However, there are obviously more concerning realities at play, and as the cost of living crisis has rumbled on, volunteers agree that there has been an increase in people needing to use the food bank. With some of these coming from a wider background of jobs and income. 

Paul Llellwellyn, who started the project during the pandemic, said: "We open on a Wednesday here for fresh foods but offer non-perishable goods every day throughout the week, but the increase in people coming in is frightening.

"There are so many people on their knees, and we see much more of a variety of people coming to use the food bank, from pub landlords to nurses, which we never used to see."

'We are making a difference to people's lives'

Paul and Cath working on a bricklaying project at Sexton Avenue allotments in 2021 (Image: St Helens Star)
In addition to his work at the food bank, Paul also runs the Sexton Avenue community allotment, which opens six days a week to a variety of schools and community groups.

There have also been several people using the allotment who have struggled with isolation, mental health problems, or have been involved in crime, but by offering a non-judgmental environment in conjunction with the foodbank, Paul said that he has seen a real difference in people over time.

"You do see success stories here, and that's what makes it so rewarding", he added.

"You see people who are maybe a bit embarrassed that they're using the food bank, but months later they're recommending it to others or wanting to volunteer and help us.

"Then you have others who may have been struggling or involved in crime, and it can be difficult, but there is no judgment here or at the allotment, so over time you see a real difference and I think we are making a difference to people's lives."

'A lot of young people don't think they will amount to anything'

Gemma and Liz at the Think Fast Academy inside Parr Sports and Community Centre (Image: St Helens Star)
A little further up Derbyshire Hill Road is Parr Sports and Community Centre, home of Wildcard boxing gym and the Think Fast Academy.

Set up by former boxing champion Martin Murray and his wife Gemma in 2020, the Academy is a programme that attempts to reach young people who are falling through the cracks in schools or have been involved in crime.

With guest speakers, education classes, and boxing sessions, the idea is to teach young people about the consequences of drugs, crime, and their behaviour, while raising their aspirations so that they are not left behind once they finish school.

Speaking about the Academy and its impact, Gemma said: "A lot of the young people that come to the Academy are misbehaving at school or have been involved in crime, but they also have really low expectations of themselves and don't think they will amount to anything.

"This is why we're here, to raise these aspirations, improve their self-esteem, and give them something to be a part of.

"We have the boxing gym open every day throughout the week and I think young people need a place like this because there really isn't that much out there for them to do.

"So we try to provide a welcoming place that keeps them safe, busy, and out of trouble, and there is a really is a nice atmosphere here."

Martin and Gemma with Academy workers and former mayor of St Helens Sue Murphy (Image: St Helens Star)
While some kids may be difficult when they first come to the Think Fast Academy, Gemma said that the programme has paid dividends as they frequently hear reports from schools and parents that their attendance and behaviour have significantly improved.

The police have also reported that many of the young people attending the course have not reoffended after its completion.

Parr Sports and Community Centre, on Derbyshire Hill Road (Image: St Helens Star)
At a time when Parr library has closed and the local swimming baths are earmarked for demolition, Parr Community and Sports Centre is a vital facility to keep people off the streets and give them the opportunity to get involved in something productive.

From the council's perspective, it aims to construct a multi-purpose sports complex in place of Parr Baths and has "long-term plans" to address the deprivation figures and life opportunities in the area.

'Struggles can be felt harder in a place like Parr'

Parr councillor Andy Bowden (Image: St Helens Council)
Speaking about the issues facing Parr and its long-term future, local councillor Andy Bowden said: "There is no doubt that more people are in need of foodbanks across the country, and this can be felt harder in a place like Parr.

"But the use of food banks are symptoms of wider issues and that's why, as a council, we have key drivers to address this.

"For example, there is a high priority on ensuring there are good schools in the area, that young people have aspirations for success, and that there is access to health care and other services.

"There are also economic developments that we hope will improve [deprivation figures] and I would argue that there are lots of opportunities for young people throughout the borough, although it might not be within 100m from their home, so maybe there needs to be better communication for what is out there."

'We need a new story about Parr'

Cllr Bowden and Rev Orrell (right) feel that attitudes need to change about Parr (Image: St Helens Star)
Speaking of his pride in representing Parr, Cllr Bowden also said that there needs to be a change in the attitudes towards the area, an understanding of the hardships people are facing, and a recognition of the tireless work of volunteers in the community.

He added: "I have a strong desire to see a change in attitudes about Parr because although it has always had its challenges, it is a strong, hard-working community that sticks together and I see a lot of positives here.

"People said that covid brought the best out of the community with people delivering food parcels, but I think this is what people have always done, which is working together and supporting each other when they need it."

Mark Orrell, reverend of St Philip's Church on Derbyshire Hill Road, has similar feelings and said that although people come to him for a range of problems, there is a strong community in Parr who want the best for themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

"There needs to be a new story about Parr", Rev Orrell added.

"There are some wonderful people that live and work here who tirelessly give to make this place a better place.

"Of course, there are issues that we need to work against but I'm proud to be from Parr and I want to raise the profile of the area and the people who live here."