The Derws provides a number of services for its members, such as a free gardening and decorating service for the disabled and elderly. For the children, realising that some problems relating to juvenile crime are due to a lack of facilities, the Derws constantly campaigns for better play equipment for the local recreation field.Group activities are play an important part of the Derws work. Social events are regularly organised. These take the form of trips to various venues: recently members enjoyed a day out at Knowsely Safari Park, near St. Hellens. Also, as well as formal meetings for discussing official business, members meet informally at events, such as the annual end of year party. We even organised a fun day in 2003, where community members enjoyed free food, drinks and a gift for the youngsters.
Although the scheme cannot claim to have eradicated all problems on the Derws estate, a number of improvements have occurred. Most importantly youth crime has been reduced and hopefully new legislation, together with police/community co-operation, will eventually solve this problem.
With adequate funding the Derws will hopefully continue to work for its members and care for their welfare.
