A Conversation Rooted in Respect
When I sat down with Michelle Donner, what struck me most wasn’t just the projects Oasis Grimsby delivers—it was the deep-rooted belief that real change comes from within the community.
Leadership Without Ego
Michelle spoke with honesty, passion, and a huge amount of respect for the people she works alongside every day on the Nunsthorpe estate.
There was no ego, no saviour complex—just a fierce commitment to building relationships, listening properly, and putting power back into the hands of local people.
Why This Story Matters
This case study is about more than community projects—it’s about a way of working that respects the strengths of the people who live in a place.
I left our conversation feeling inspired, grounded, and reminded why Our Future exists: to back local leaders (Civic Entrepreneurs) who are already doing the work, and to shine a light on their stories.
A Community-Centred Approach
Oasis Grimsby has embedded itself at the heart of the Nunsthorpe community, working beyond education to support local families and empower community-led solutions.
As part of a wider national organisation, Oasis Grimsby brings together schools, support services, and local people to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
Their work goes far beyond delivering services—it’s about relationships, trust, and giving power back to the community.
Community-Led Projects
Food Pantry and Free Fresh Food Table
Originally created in response to a local family's crisis, Oasis Grimsby’s food support model now provides free food for any resident in need. Volunteers from the estate manage daily operations, creating a sustainable model rooted in community care.
Bike Bar Initiative
In partnership with Revolution Bikes, this project teaches young people how to fix and maintain bicycles—a key mode of transport on the estate.
The scheme is now expanding into educational provision, helping young people who are struggling in school build skills, confidence, and engagement through hands-on learning.
Family Support and Self-Referral System
Oasis Grimsby empowers residents to access support on their own terms—whether for food, family support, or youth activities.
There are no waiting lists or gatekeepers; support is long-term and relationship-based, not a one-off intervention.
Environmental Work – The Big Clean
By providing skips and resources, Oasis enabled residents to clean up the estate—showing that the desire for a clean, safe environment is strong.
The project also revealed how access to practical tools, like transport and waste disposal, is a major barrier to change.
Putting Community Voice at the Centre
“Our community doesn’t need rescuing—it needs listening to. We want people to be proud of where they live, and for that pride to be visible. But policy needs to catch up with what life is really like on estates like Nunsthorpe.”
Michelle and her team work hand-in-hand with councillors, police, housing providers and residents to ensure Nunsthorpe is not excluded from decision-making.
From walkabouts to neighbourhood planning, they believe solutions should be shaped with, not for, the community.
Thank you Michelle for the wonderful chat, and thank you to you and your team for everything you are doing for the community.
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