Weaving a web of artistry

A brush with painting on canvass, baking-off, learning about life behind a camera lens and creating with clay –  a Birkenhead programme is the model of creativity.

And as boys lined-up for a recent MVRP-funded drama session there, WEB is also making respect and acceptance part of its’ – and the community’s – culture.

Founded by local women in 1993 (and legend has it, “a swearing nun”!)”, WEB (Wellbeing Empowering Brighter Futures) now has premises dotted around The Wirral, offering everything from group sessions on gender stereotyping to one-to-one counselling.  It may have expanded its reach but it is always mindful of its mission to “support adults and young people with complex needs who may be isolated, victimised, discriminated against, have low self-esteem and lack hope” – see https://www.webmerseyside.org/about-us/mission-vision-aims. 

WEB is this year celebrating 30 years of serving the local community and will be hosting a fundraising ball in the spring to celebrate.

Volunteers play a major part in its running, and it relies on fundraising support – such as that given by the MVRP for its Monday classes. Run by Laura Steventon (who is about to tread the boards at the Liverpool Empire in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”) the boy’s drama session began with a reminder of ground rules, followed by imaginative games where participants portrayed everything from a bridegroom to a Strictly Come Dancing judge and even – a roast potato!

“Thanks to the funding, we were able to take 31 young people to see “Bugsy Malone” at the Empire recently, at least 20 had never even been to Liverpool, let alone a theatre before.”

Laura Steventon

Judging by the enthusiasm in the class the Bug has certainly grabbed the class, even though a quick poll revealed 50 per cent had never done drama at school.