For 18-year-old Lacie, becoming a Decision Maker is about more than taking part in a funding process.
It is about having a voice.
Like many young people in Grimsby, Lacie has grown up hearing mixed messages about the town she calls home. She has seen negative comments online, heard people say that local people are not involved in decisions, and noticed how often young people are left out of conversations about the future of their community.
That can be difficult when you care about where you live.
It can leave young people feeling as though their views do not count, simply because of their age.
For Lacie, the opportunity to become a Decision Maker through the Growing Together Fund felt different.
It gave her a chance to step forward, share her perspective and be part of something that could help shape positive change in Grimsby.
Lacie explained:
“My name’s Lacie and I’m 18. I have decided to become a Decision Maker because I feel like I don’t have a voice as I’m only 18.
“At 18 years old, I believe young people bring fresh ideas, modern perspectives, and a real understanding of the challenges facing the next generation.
“As someone who is growing up in today’s world, I understand the importance of opportunities for young people, safer communities, better education, and creating jobs that encourage people to stay and invest in the town.
“Grimsby deserves new and exciting opportunities for everyone of all ages.
“My age should not be seen as a weakness, but as a strength that allows me to connect with younger residents while still respecting the experience of others.
“I am determined to help Grimsby grow into a town that is inclusive and full of opportunities for everyone.”
Lacie’s words are a powerful reminder that young people are not separate from the community.
They are part of it.
They live here. They study here. They work here. They use local spaces. They see what is happening around them. They understand the pressures facing their generation, from education and employment to safety, belonging and whether they can imagine a future for themselves in the town.
Too often, young people are spoken about rather than spoken with.
The Growing Together Fund is trying to do things differently.
Through the Give it a Go fund, people who live or work in Grimsby can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to test, start or spark ideas that could make a difference locally.
But the fund is not only about applications.
It is also about who gets to help make decisions.
Local people are being invited to become Decision Makers, reviewing shortlisted ideas and recommending which projects receive support.
No previous experience is needed.
What matters is local knowledge, lived experience and a willingness to listen, consider ideas and help support what could make a real difference in Grimsby.
For Lacie, becoming a Decision Maker is also an opportunity to build confidence, skills and experience for the future.
It is something she can add to her CV, but more importantly, it is something that helps her feel part of the place she lives.
Her story shows that you do not need to have years of experience to contribute.
You do not need to be the loudest person in the room.
You do not need to have all the answers.
You just need to care enough to take part.
And Lacie does.
By stepping forward, she is showing other young people that their voice matters too.
Because Grimsby’s future should not only be shaped by people who have always been involved.
It should be shaped by people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences.
Including young people like Lacie.
If you live, work or study in Grimsby and would like to become a Decision Maker, or if you have an idea you would like to apply for, you can find out more here:
https://growingtogetherfund.org.uk
