Why getting involved matters
July 2, 2026
At Open House 2026 in Grimsby, Katharine York shares her thoughts on why connections, conversations and relationships matter.
Across North East Lincolnshire, people are stepping up with energy, care and ambition.
Communities are coming together and shaping what’s next. Celebrating what’s strong, forging new partnerships and building the future together.
This page is your gateway to see what’s happening, to share what matters to you and to be part of the journey.
Since 2022, we’ve worked alongside brilliant people across North East Lincolnshire, across community, public, business, and voluntary sectors – all committed to making things better.
Together, we’ve shaped neighbourhood plans, connected local energy to national resources and funding, and hosted one of the UK’s largest place-based visioning conversations. That work has helped build a different way of doing things: one where local people, partners and institutions shape priorities together, then work together to turn them into action.
In 2024, more than 1,100 people shared ideas, cast over 50,000 votes and helped shape a clear, hopeful vision for Grimsby and beyond.
Their ideas helped identify what matters most to local people, from homes and neighbourhoods to skills, culture, nature, community life and the local economy. Those priorities are now helping guide practical action across the town.
Nine missions reflect what local people care most about. From green jobs and thriving high streets to safe homes, welcoming communities and creative energy.
These guide our direction and provide space for local ideas to flourish.
Local businesses thrive and the buzzing town centre celebrates Grimsby’s past and future.
Attractive, accessible spaces reflect Grimsby’s heritage and invite connection, culture and community life.
Grimsby leads in the green economy, creating jobs, cutting energy costs and securing the town’s future.
Nature is part of daily life. People connect with sea, river and green spaces to support thriving ecosystems.
Affordable transport and strong community links make it easy to access everything Grimsby offers.
Everyone has a safe home, creating stability, wellbeing and deeper community bonds.
Grimsby is supportive, joyful and powered by people shaping strong, caring communities together.
Learning and skills are accessible for all, designed to fit real lives and unlock opportunity.
Creative people lead a vibrant cultural scene that celebrates Grimsby’s history, future and collective identity.
With £20 million of Plan for Neighbourhoods funding secured for Grimsby we are setting up the Growing Together Fund to turn local priorities into practical action. It will back local ideas and give people a role in deciding how funding is used.
This is a great opportunity for the future of Grimsby.
By getting involved, you’ll help shape a plan that reflects local strengths and ambition, guides funding and delivery, and makes the most of this opportunity for the town.
We’re a small, committed team with deep experience in community building, strategy and systems change.
We care deeply about the places we work in and the people who lead change within them.
Whether you live locally, work nearby or simply believe in the power of place, there’s a way to get involved.
You can share your story, submit an idea, join one of our events or just stay up to date. This is your invitation to be part of something bold.
If you’ve been part of the change in Grimsby & NE Lincs or if you’re seeing something worth celebrating, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you live locally, work nearby or simply care about North East Lincs, there’s a role for you in shaping what happens next.
At Open House 2026 in Grimsby, Katharine York shares her thoughts on why connections, conversations and relationships matter.
“Human relationships must always come first.”
In this video, Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services in North East Lincolnshire, reflects on her experience of being part of Our Future and what this way of working is making possible across place.
We were recently invited to 10 Downing Street, with some of our partners from Grimsby. It was an opportunity to share the work underway in Grimsby and what we have learned.
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