Who we are – East Marsh United

This is our neighbourhood

We’re deciding how it grows, how it looks and how it feels. By organising ourselves, we’re finding solutions to the challenges we face and creating opportunities for local people.

From safe, affordable homes to creative projects, from neighbourly care to greening our streets, everything we do is shaped by the people who live here. We are neighbours, friends, volunteers, organisers – and proud East Marshians.

Our story so far

East Marsh United began with a simple belief that change works best when it’s led by the people who live here. Over the years, we’ve turned that belief into action.
Along the way, we’ve launched creative festivals, published our own community magazine, cleaned up our streets, challenged unfair landlords and given residents the tools to speak up for themselves.
Six Feet of Your Street

Our campaign transformed boarded-up houses with colour and pride.
18 homes
We’ve bought (and renovated) 18 houses on the East Marsh – turning them into forever homes for our tenants
The Proud East Marshian

Our magazine shared stories, interviews and local history written by residents.
Sun & Moon Festival

Our community arts programme brought music, crafts and performance to our community parks and markets.
132
trees planted across our schools, parks and streets

We’ve already achieved a lot, but our story is just beginning.

Each step built confidence, strengthened community, and showed that the East Marsh can lead the way.

How we do things

We do things differently. East Marsh United rejects the idea of being a “service provider.” We are not here to do things for people, we are here to do things with people.

Our vision (the big picture)

We’re working together to grow our East Marsh home.

We see a future when the East Marsh is a thriving urban village, built and owned by the people who live in it. That’s what we’re growing — and we’re doing it street by street, house by house, tree by tree.

Our mission (what we work on every day)

Providing 100 homes for 100 years.
Encouraging people to flourish.
Building relationships for our people, our partners and challenging power.
Inspiring imagination and joy through community creativity.
Creating a green, healthy, beautiful and safe environment

Our values

The way we always try to be in our work:

Passionate

We care deeply about making a difference and put all our energy into turning ideas into action.

Trusting

We share the same hopes and dreams as our neighbours, and we support each other without judgement.

Imaginative

We look for creative solutions, try new things and learn along the way.

Genuine

We are honest and open, respecting people for who they are and making sure every voice counts.

Joyful

We celebrate the good things, laugh together, and stay positive even when times are tough.

Our philosophy

We believe that how you get to the future is the future you get. That means the way we work is just as important as what we achieve.

People first

Putting wellbeing and dignity at the heart of everything.

Shared leadership

Making decisions together, not from the top down.

Belonging

Building a community where everyone feels they have a place.

Good ancestors

Thinking about future generations in every choice we make.

Always learning

Adapting, improving and staying open to new ideas.

This ethos runs through all of our work – in our homes, our creative projects, our green spaces and our community life. It’s why EMU feels different: because we build change with people, not for them.

What does “how you get to the future is the future you get” mean?

It means that if you want a kind, fair neighbourhood, you have to build it in a kind, fair way. You can’t force people into a better future. So we take our time, we listen, and we decide things together. Even when that’s slower.

Our Team

The Engine Room

Billy Dasein

Chief Elemental Officer

Billy Dasein

Chief Elemental Officer

Dr Billy Dasein is the founder and CEO of East Marsh United (EMU) and a dedicated advocate for community-led regeneration in his hometown of Grimsby. With a PhD in Education and a background in academia, Billy returned to the East Marsh and found himself confronting the challenges in his old neighbourhood which had been either ‘left behind’ or ‘deliberately abandoned’. Recognised as a Big Issue Changemaker, he leads EMU’s mission to foster social justice through grassroots action, environmental greening, and the firm belief that local people should own the solutions to their own challenges.

What do you love most about your role?

I love that we just get stuck in and get things done. I’m working on stuff that actually makes the world a bit better, but I get to do it with a gang of beautiful people – often with my dog by my side or at home in my PJs. It’s just a proper, decent way to work and be.
David Power

Funding Strategy Manager

David Power

Funding Strategy Manager

David’s role within EMU is to create a Funding Strategy and support its implementation, write funding bids, help others write bids and support the delivery of grant funded projects. He has been with us since October 2024.

What do you love most about your role?

Raising money to pay for things I fundamentally believe in.
Pat Moughton

Facilities & Liaisons Manager

Pat Moughton

Facilities & Liaisons Manager

Pat started with EMU in 2025 as Operations Manager before becoming the Buildings and Liaisons Manager the following year. She makes sure things run smoothly day-to-day within EMU’s office at 84 Wellington Street. Her role is all about providing the outfacing team with the resources and support they need, whenever they need it.

What do you love most about your role?

The people I get to work with every day. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within our team makes even the toughest challenges feel manageable. We’re a group that genuinely supports one another, celebrating each other’s successes and lifting each other up when we face setbacks.
Rehan Bashir

Operations & Governance Lead

Rehan Bashir

Operations & Governance Lead

Rehan joined EMU in 2026 as Operations and Governance Manager. He supports CEO Billy across operations, governance, HR, recruitment, policy development and digital systems. He also lead the organisation’s transition from manual to digital ways of working, improving processes and efficiency across the team.

What do you love most about your role?

Seeing the real-world impact of my work. Knowing that improving systems and supporting the team helps strengthen the local community makes the role especially rewarding.
Suzanne Woods

Finance Manager

Suzanne Woods

Finance Manager

Suzanne has worked with EMU since late 2024 and oversees all the financial planning, budgeting and reporting. She manages the organisation’s money to ensure we use our resources wisely and plan for a bright future.

What do you love most about your role?

Knowing that every budget I manage, every report I create and every financial decision I make directly supports a mission I believe in.

The Bridge

Carolyn Doyley

Greening & Renewal Lead

Carolyn Doyley

Greening & Renewal Lead

Carolyn’s role as Greening and Renewal Lead involves making the East Marsh a greener, more vibrant place to live, where people feel connected to the land. She organises nature-based events and workshops on the East Marsh, ran a gardening group for local residents and helped plant new trees in the largest green space in the East Marsh, Grant Thorold Park.

What do you love most about your role?

I love seeing the community come together to celebrate nature and each other. It’s really special and it makes me so proud.
Holly Smith

Seedlings Mentor

Holly Smith

Seedlings Mentor

Holly is the Community Roots Seedlings Mentor, supporting the East Marsh Community Roots Fund. She works with residents and community organisations across the East Marsh, helping them develop strong funding applications and navigate the process with confidence. Her role is focused on making the fund accessible and supporting community-led projects that strengthen the area and create lasting local impact.

What do you love most about your role?

EMU is completely dedicated to transforming where we live for the better, and that’s a huge part of why I love being involved. I feel genuinely excited to be part of a dynamic, passionate team that lifts each other up and works together to bring real positivity to the East Marsh. Being surrounded by people who care this deeply about our community makes the work feel meaningful every single day.
Jill Harrison

East Marsh Community Plan Lead

Jill Harrison

East Marsh Community Plan Lead

Jill’s role within EMU is to work with residents and partners to create the East Marsh Community Plan. After talking to residents about the changes they’d like to see on the East Marsh, Jill works out how to put these ideas into action. She also leads the East Marsh Community Roots Fund participatory budgeting scheme.

What do you love most about your role?

Meeting people and encouraging them to have their say.
Josie Moon

People & Place Ambassador

Josie Moon

People & Place Ambassador

Josie’s role as People and Place Ambassador means she looks after the wellbeing of the team, supports our work and develops strategic policies within the organisation. She also works with local, regional and national organisations, including government, to contribute to broader change-making work and help build a fairer and more equitable future for the many.

What do you love most about your role?

To see our team thrive and feel that their outstanding work is of true value. I also love it when we are able to have a direct positive impact on the lives of our residents within the East Marsh.
Kara Drayton

Housing Outreach & Tenancy Support Worker

Kara Drayton

Housing Outreach & Tenancy Support Worker

Kara is the Housing Outreach and Tenancy Support Worker at East Marsh United. She supports residents to sustain their tenancies, overcome housing challenges and access the services they need. Working closely with individuals and families across the East Marsh, she provides practical advice, advocacy and guidance, helping people build confidence, independence and stronger connections within their community.

What do you love most about your role?

The strong sense of community and the genuine commitment to making a difference. Although I’m still new to the team, I’ve already seen how passionate everyone is about supporting local people and creating positive change. I enjoy meeting residents, hearing their stories and being part of an organisation that believes in working alongside the community.
Paula Graves

Homes & Housing Manager

Paula Graves

Homes & Housing Manager

Paula has been with EMU since 2023 and has 30 years of experience working in deprived communities. Her primary focus is the establishment of the ambitious ‘100 homes for 100 years’ project, where she seeks funding to acquire and refurbish houses, transforming them into stable, long-term homes. This initiative goes beyond just housing; it’s about building a vibrant community. Paula has developed numerous partnerships with other community-led organisations and is part of the Northern Tribes initiative. She also facilitates a tenants’ group and provides holistic support when needed.

What do you love most about your role?

Witnessing tenants flourish. I love seeing them form friendships and develop into a strong, supportive network for one another, truly embodying the spirit of a developing community. I also love our EMU team as we are totally supportive to each other.
Rachel McWilliam

Creativity Lead

Rachel McWilliam

Creativity Lead

Rachel’s role involves creating activities to inspire and encourage our community to get involved and try new things for themselves. She began her creative career as an Artistic Blacksmith which involved working on community projects around the country. She then worked as an Arts Development Officer for the local council and charity organisation for over 12 years, where she supported the work of East Marsh United before joining the team in 2023.

What do you love most about your role?

Being part of a fantastic, caring team and making a positive difference to our area.
Sara Wagstaff

Community Voice & Healthy Housing Lead

Sara Wagstaff

Community Voice & Healthy Housing Lead

Sara began her role in 2024 as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Huddersfield, linking academia with the work and development of East Marsh United. She helps EMU to be good ancestors by achieving 100 homes for 100 years and to be ethical landlords, with community voice at its core. Her research helps EMU grow while remaining true to its core values.

What do you love most about your role?

East Marsh United is such a refreshing organisation – it’s amazing every day. I love seeing the community beginning to take ownership of their place. I’m excited to see how these small sparks will ignite meaningful and sustained change for the residents of the East Marsh.
Sue Baker

Community Outreach Lead

Sue Baker

Community Outreach Lead

Sue’s role as Community Outreach Lead enables her to focus on the people living in and around the East Marsh and encouraging them to build relationships, develop their skills and raise aspirations. She works with pupils at local schools and has been fundamental in the success of the RAW project, helping local young people express themselves musically.

What do you love most about your role?

Feeling like I’m more than just someone who organises stuff. My role is deeply embedded in the daily lives of residents, fostering a sense of belonging, pride and collective action as part of a great team.
Tracy Slattery

East Marsh Community Research Network Lead

Tracy Slattery

East Marsh Community Research Network Lead

Tracy joined East Marsh United in early 2025 and supports members of the community to become Community Researchers within the East Marsh Community Research Network, a £1 million scheme funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and delivered in partnership with The Young Foundation. Tracy helps residents carry out research on issues that are important to them and find solutions they feel would make living and working in the East Marsh better.

What do you love most about your role?

Helping members of the community research issues that matter to them most and facilitating change.

Dig deeper into our work

Community Research Network

The East Marsh Community Research Network (CRN) brings local people and partner organisations together to learn, share and create change.

Read more
Shaping the East Marsh together

Through our Community Plan and People’s Charter, residents have come together to share ideas, set priorities and agree what really matters. These aren’t documents written behind closed doors – they belong to the community and guide the decisions we make together.

Read more