Following an open call for the Grimsby Together Working Groups, we were thrilled by the overwhelming response from passionate people across the town. Everyone shared their love for Grimsby, their unwavering commitment to the town and their enthusiasm for the positive changes already underway.
Welcome to the working groups
The groups are now formed, with every member eager to contribute to the collective change we’re building together. The first meetings will take place early next week, marking the next phase of the Grimsby Together project – an exciting new chapter for Grimsby!
We are delighted to welcome and introduce the passionate individuals who came forward to offer their time, expertise, energy and great ideas. These groups and their members represent the next phase of a larger community movement – one that’s all about building something positive, together.
In this article, we’ve put the names of the brilliant people who make up the working groups. A huge thank you to each of them for being part of this exciting journey and for their commitment to making Grimsby a place we can all be proud of.
Shaping Grimsby’s Plan for Neighbourhoods
Grimsby has been awarded an incredible £20 million over ten years through the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. Together, we have until November 2025 to develop a community-led plan to ensure this funding brings lasting, positive change to the town.
What’s happening in Grimsby is truly special. People from all corners of the town are coming together with energy, ideas and a shared belief in what Grimsby can become. The working groups are part of the next phase in this growing movement, bringing together people who care deeply about Grimsby and want to help shape its bright future.
The Working Groups & How you can get involved
Each group focuses on a key theme that reflects what matters most to the people of Grimsby. They bring together diverse voices from across the community, all working together to build a brighter, more inclusive future for our town.
The groups are:
Beautiful Built Environment – exploring how to improve Grimsby’s public spaces, buildings and infrastructure.
| Chair: Mark Hodson, Hodson Architects | |
| Anne Bickerstaffe | CARE |
| Kerry Henderson | Civic Society |
| Andrew Brown | Harbour Place |
| Rob Baty | YMCA Humber |
| Charlotte Johnson | Lincolnshire Housing Partnership |
| Neil Cartwright | Civic Society |
| Stella Jackson | NELC |
Green Economy that works for the town – supporting sustainable jobs, skills and businesses that protect the environment.
| Chair: Katharine York, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult | |
| Vicky Dunn | Grimsby Community Energy |
| Paul Bright | NELC Ward Councillor |
| Michelle Donner | Oasis |
| Emmanuel Uduh | The Health Gospel CIC |
| Joseph Hewitt | Hewitt Associates |
| Katie Hedges | CATCH UK |
| Claire Parfrement | NELC |
Arts and Culture create connection, energy and identity – boosting creativity and access to cultural activities across the town.
| Chair: James Trowsdale, NELC | |
| Ted Stanley | Hammond House |
| Charlotte Bowen | The Culture House |
| Dale Wells | Turntable Gallery |
| Emma Forrest Leigh | Creative and Educational expertise |
| Paula Denton | Our Big Picture |
| Tracy Stringfellow | Heritage Lincolnshire |
| Connor Stannard | Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre |
| Zoe Hewick | Hull Music Service |
| Lauren Smith | Stand Up Comedian |
| Frankie Hodson | Social History at Hull Museums |
| Rose Nicholson | Humber Museums Partnership |
| Lisa February | Lowercase Theatre |
| Derek O’Connell | Lincs Inspire Libraries |
| Kim Rotham | Lincs Inspire |
Opportunities and Education available for everyone – creating better opportunities for learning, skills and future careers.
| Chair: Lucy Ottewell-Key, Horizon Youth Zone | |
| Adrian Tallon | CatZero |
| Joanne Routh | Grimsby Ice Rink/Routh Business Accountancy |
| Cheryl Eade | Grimsby Institute |
| Leanne Thompson | SEND Friends |
| Chloe Tate | TEC Partnership |
| Natalie Bartlett | Wilkin Chapman LLP |
| Linda Bilbe | Former social worker, works as a school Governor & involved in Humberston Lions |
| Sophia Farren | Unison |
| Kate Harling | Centre 4 |
| Jon Ives | Blue Cross Animal Hospital |
Secure Homes and Lives – focusing on safe, stable housing and support for health and wellbeing.
| Chair: Julie Walmsley, Doorstep | |
| Victoria Parker | CARE |
| Pete Williams | Citizens Advice NEL |
| Paula Graves | East Marsh United |
| Les Bonner | Friends of the Freshney Valley |
| Katie Brown | NELC |
| Kate Conway | YMCA Humber |
| Alan Burley | Civic Society |
| Danielle Toyne | Lincs Housing Partnership |
Connected to Nature and the unique geography – improving access to green spaces and protecting local nature.
| Chair: Dee Hitter, NELC | |
| Mary Vickers | Grounded in Grimsby CIC / NEL Food Partnership |
| Joanna Craig | NEL Food Partnership |
| Jennifer Wakefield | Nature Forest School CIC |
| Michelle Cook | Healthy Minds CIC – The Canopy & Early Years Educare |
| James Elliot | The Canoe River Cleaner |
Strong Welcoming Community – building community pride, inclusion and social connections.
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Chair: Sarah Everest-Ford, Health Care Partnership |
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Nick Middleton |
NELC |
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Lisa Smith |
NSPCC |
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Idorenyin Charles (Idee) |
The Health Gospel CIC |
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Sandra Ritchie |
We are F.I.S.H |
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Chris Stanland |
West Marsh Development Trust |
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Louise Harling |
YMCA Humber |
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Marc Ireland |
Police Community Support Officer |
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Sara Wagstaff |
University of Huddersfield / EMU |
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Amy Quickfall |
Health Care Partnership |
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Wakeel Mohammad |
Pakistani Community Centre |
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Angie Graham |
Cudox Wellbeing
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Thriving Business and Connected Town Centre – supporting local businesses and ensuring the town centre is vibrant and accessible.
This group is exploring how Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire connect with and use the town centre, and how local businesses, public spaces and community activities can come together as part of the exciting regeneration taking place. By combining these areas, we’re shaping a bright, connected future where the town centre thrives as the heart of the community.
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Co-chairs: Mark Webb, E-Factor Group and Anthony Snell, NELC |
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Joe Brumby |
CARE |
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Carl Bradley |
Clark Weightman |
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Alexis Powell-Howard |
Fortis Therapy & Training |
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Maggie Johnson |
NELC |
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Nigel Lowther |
Nigel Lowther Associates Ltd |
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Robert Pritchard |
SourceFour |
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Janine Marie Walker |
Cycle Hub Lincs |
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Amy Twyman |
Health and Care Partnership |
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Sophie Surfleet |
E-Factor |
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Becky Darnell |
The Culture House |
While these groups are now formed, your ideas, knowledge and passion are essential to help guide their work. Whether you have a project, insight or simply want to contribute to building a stronger Grimsby, there are many ways to get involved.
Share Your Ideas
These groups need your ideas, insights and local knowledge. Whether you are part of a local organisation, have a project idea, or simply want to help shape the future of Grimsby, we would love to hear from you.
We are asking people to share what matters most in their area. What is already working well? What could make the biggest difference? What would you like to see happen?
There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved through events, conversations and local activities over the coming months. To begin with, please do share your ideas via our online forms:
New Ideas You Would Love to Make Happen: https://www.our-future.io/new-ideas
Highlight Great Work Already Happening: https://www.our-future.io/great-work-already-happening
Together, we can make sure this plan reflects the amazing work already underway, ambitions of Grimsby’s people and builds a future that benefits everyone.
