Championing Women, Rebuilding Identity, and Creating Safe Spaces
Marie Rock is the founder and director of Modern Matriarchs, a newly registered community interest company (CIC) rooted in North East Lincolnshire and built from years of lived experience, frontline care work, and a deep understanding of the challenges women face—especially those who’ve experienced abuse, trauma, or the limitations of low-opportunity environments.
Having worked as a nurse and housing officer, Marie saw the same patterns repeat again and again: women who had survived difficult circumstances but felt stuck, unheard, and isolated—many unsure they were “allowed” to seek help or that they even deserved it. This inspired her to create something different. Something grounded in community, empowerment, and accessibility.
> “I wanted to reach the women who fall through the gaps. Those who feel they’re not ‘enough’ for traditional services or are unsure if they even count. Modern Matriarchs is for them.”
The Mission Behind Modern Matriarchs
Modern Matriarchs is built on the belief that women are already strong—but community support can remind them of their strength and help them grow. Marie named the initiative in honour of the powerful, often-unrecognised women who keep families, communities, and culture alive. Inspired by the idea of bringing the *matriarchy into the modern world*, the name celebrates local heritage and female resilience.
The project began with a simple Saturday drop-in session, and has since evolved into a growing movement.
What They Offer
Modern Matriarchs provides:
Weekly drop-in sessions – warm, welcoming spaces for women to connect, chat, and be heard.
The “Straightening Your Crown” course – a 6-week programme supported by ward funding, combining confidence-building sessions with practical topics like hair, beauty, and self-care.
Peer support and empowerment – encouraging connection, conversation, and confidence among women from all walks of life.
Collaborative workshops – working alongside organisations like Grimsby Institute to bring students and women together in mutual learning and community-building.
Creative community projects – such as a planned public mural for International Women’s Day that will celebrate local women’s stories and reclaim public space through positive, collaborative art.
> “The women who come to our sessions often say it’s the first time they’ve felt truly seen and supported. They come for the conversation—and stay for the community.”
Why It Matters
Marie is passionate about working on the ground level—because that’s where the real change begins. Modern Matriarchs creates a sense of identity, belonging, and forward momentum for women who might otherwise feel lost in systems not designed for their complexity or experience. It’s also helping to revive a sense of shared place and purpose in a town rediscovering who it wants to be.
Future Plans
Modern Matriarchs is expanding its reach across North East Lincolnshire. Marie plans to launch additional hubs in areas like Immingham, work with local learners and artists to bring community stories to life, and partner with other grassroots organisations to amplify impact.
How You Can Get Involved
Businesses and organisations can support Modern Matriarchs by commissioning neurodiversity and trauma-informed training with Marie.
She is regularly asked for guidance and input—often unpaid—and believes that with the right backing, this training could help create safer, more inclusive workplaces across the region.
> Hire Marie to deliver training
> Offer sponsorship for courses or events
> Collaborate on community projects like public art or peer support groups
> Share her work through your networks
At Our Future, we’re proud to spotlight community champions like Marie, whose work is changing hearts, systems, and futures—one story at a time.
You can find Marie and Modern Matriarchs on Facebook.
