The Bishop of Grimsby, The Rt Revd Jean Burgess, visited the Shalom Youth Centre in Grimsby on 15 June 2026 alongside Baroness Sherlock, Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions.
The centre is an important place that continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people across the area.
For over 50 years the Centre has provided a safe and supportive environment for young people who may be facing difficult circumstances including poverty and isolation. It is a place of hope, support and opportunity where it is needed most.
With funding from the diocese in 2024 the Centre was even able to create a dedicated ‘sacred space’ – although young people have affectionately started calling it the ‘God Room’.
Bishop Jean was joined by Baroness Sherlock, a minister in the Department for Work and Pensions who is also ordained, and Trustee Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Baroness Sherlock met the team and saw first-hand the impact the Centre has in the local community.
Bishop Jean and Baroness Sherlock had a tour of the centre, and met with staff and young people from the project. They also met with Canon John Ellis MBE who has led the work of the Shalom Youth Project for over forty years.
There was a roundtable discussion about local issues with Shalom Trustees chaired by Bishop Jean. Baroness Sherlock also spoke about the government’s new Child Poverty Strategy.
They were then given a tour of St John and St Stephen’s Church by the vicar, Revd Kay Jones, and shared in a time of worship with the staff team.
During the day, a community garden was officially opened by Baroness Sherlock. The space was dedicated to the children and young people of the East Marsh area.
Bishop Jean and the Minister were each inspired by the commitment of staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure this vital work with local young people will continue for many years to come.
Bishop Jean said:
“This centre is transforming local lives. It is a witness to how a community with dedicated space to nurture younger generations can be a place of healing, wholeness and joy. It has become more than a lifeline for so many local families.
“There is a tremendous team keeping everything running through good times and bad. Their loving service is recognised and they are all improving the quality of life of young people in the Grimsby area. There’s a real dedication to creating memorable experience for the next generations.”
Baroness Sherlock said:
“During my visit to Shal, I was struck by the emphasis on a relational and holistic approach to support children and young people. The Church cultivates a Ministry of Presence, which is about striving to create a culture of care and being there for people.
It’s not about the facilities, after all. It’s about the people.”
The Church of England reported on the youth project back in 2021 which has since grown. It can can be read about here.
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