May is Local & Community History Month and we thought it was the perfect time to shine a light on how Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre first began.
Our centre has a really powerful story behind it rooted in community spirit and people coming together to make a change.
Back in 1985, local people took part in what became known as the Pillow Protest. At the time, part of the local primary school had been left empty and members of the community felt strongly that something needed to be done.
So they made a stand, quite literally.
Families moved into the derelict infant school and stayed there for two weeks. They ate, slept and spent their time together in the building, determined to show just how much the space meant to them and how it could be used for the community.
Eventually, Sefton Council agreed to their proposal and from that moment, Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre was born!
It’s a story that really shows the power of community, what can happen when people come together, stand up for what they believe in, and work towards something positive for everyone. And that spirit is still at the heart of everything we do today!
