How West Marsh Community Centre is Supporting Grimsby’s Communities

Tucked into the heart of Grimsby’s West Marsh is a community hub that’s doing far more than just keeping the lights on. The West Marsh Community Centre is a lifeline for hundreds of local people—offering food, warmth, connection, and hope when it's needed most.

At the centre of it all is Chris Stanland, Community Development Manager, and the West marsh team who have been quietly building something powerful: a local space led by the community, for the community.

From Challenge to Collaboration

When Chris first joined the centre, he was handed a big task—revitalise a space that mattered deeply to the neighbourhood, but had been under pressure for years.

Early in his journey, Chris connected with Our Future, a national movement supporting local, people-powered regeneration. That relationship changed everything.

> “We didn’t want to be isolated,” Chris explains. “Our Future gave us the platform to build better relationships, have braver conversations, and realise we’re not alone in this work.”

Through events like the Sidney Sussex Civic Leadership sessions, Chris met local changemakers from across North East Lincolnshire—groups like East Marsh United, We Are Fish, Doorstep, and Citizens Advice UK. These connections have shaped everything from how West Marsh Centre designs its services, to how it collaborates on wider local regeneration.

Services That Meet People Where They Are

While the challenges facing local families are many—rising costs, isolation, language barriers—the West Marsh Community Centre responds with practical, inclusive, and respectful support. Key services include:

🥦 Food Bank & Garden – A COVID-era initiative that’s grown into a permanent service, with fresh produce now grown in the centre’s poly tunnel.
🍼 Baby Bank – Offering nappies, clothes, baby food, and essentials for new parents.
🧾 Benefits Support – Helping residents navigate forms and secure the help they’re entitled to.
♨️ Warm Spaces & Activities** – Hosting everything from bingo and cookery groups to football, boxing, and over-50s social clubs.

And it doesn’t stop there. The centre also runs volunteer programmes, supports young people’s fitness and mental health, and reaches out to Grimsby’s Eastern European community with translation and English classes.

> “We try not to just give handouts,” says Chris. “The goal is to help people move toward sustainability.”

Powered by People

One of the most inspiring things about West Marsh is how it lifts others up. Chris shares stories of volunteers who’ve gone on to secure work, young people who’ve built confidence, and community members who now give back.

A young man once supported by the foodbank is now working for the local council.
A woman who trained as a hairdresser now offers **free haircuts** at the centre.
A group of parents, once service users, now **run weekly groups** supporting each other.

> “These are the stories that show the heart of this place,” Chris says. “It’s about lifting each other up.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

At its core, West Marsh Community Centre is proof that regeneration works best when it’s led from within. With support from partners like Our Future and a growing network of local collaborators, Chris and the team are building a legacy of connection, dignity, and hope.

> “We want to build something that lasts—something built by us, for us.”

💬 How You Can Support

If you’re a local business, organisation, or individual, there are lots of ways to support this vital work:

Volunteer your time – The centre welcomes corporate volunteering days and community involvement.
Make a donation – Whether it’s funding for a warm meal or supplies for the baby bank, every pound makes a difference.
Partner with us – From providing career workshops to sponsoring a community event, collaboration is always welcome.

To find out more or offer support, contact Chris Stanland at West Marsh Community Centre or reach out to us at Our Future North East Lincolnshire.

Let’s work together to create a stronger, kinder Grimsby—starting right here in the West Marsh.