Graham has welcomed the Hull KR Foundation’s plan to bring its energy, expertise and community spirit to Southern Holderness, spurred on by the £20 million Southern Holderness Fund announced in October as part of Pride in Place Funding.
The Hull KR Foundation is the charitable foundation attached to East Hull’s treble-winning Rugby League club, Hull Kingston Rovers, based at Craven Park. For over twenty years the Foundation has supported young people in East Hull turn their lives around.
The Foundation contacted Graham following the announcement of the Southern Holderness Fund, worth £20 million over 10 years, to offer their support in bringing lasting change to Southern Holderness. The KR Foundation has a strong track record not only in Hull but also the East Riding.
The fund, secured to revitalise Withernsea, Patrington, Easington, Kilnsea and the surrounding villages, is designed to improve life chances and create lasting opportunities for local people.
Graham, who has a seat on the Southern Holderness Fund board, said he’s determined to ensure the money is spent in a way that delivers real, long-term change.
“This funding gives us a once-in-a-generation chance to make a real difference to people’s lives in Southern Holderness,” Graham said. “It’s not just about buildings or projects — it’s about giving people hope, confidence and opportunities that last.”
Graham has been asking for ideas for the fund, which residents can contribute below. He has received over sixty ideas to date, ranging from improving the built environment to litter picking schemes and schemes for young people.
Graham is currently working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to appoint an independent Chair for the Board, which will oversee how the £20 million fund is used. Once the Chair is in place, members of the public will be invited to join the board, alongside Graham and local councillors, to ensure that decisions reflect the priorities and voices of the community.
Graham said, “The Southern Holderness Fund is part of an exciting future for Holderness and I’m determined to see it used as a force for good, in the long term and not frittered away.
“That’s why I’m so delighted that the Hull KR Foundation wants to be involved. It has a terrific track record in getting young people into work and I hope to see that work continue in Southern Holderness.
“We need to get businesses on board, as well as local people, and the Hull KR Foundation is exactly the sort of organisation we need going forward.”
“This has to be a project built by and for local people,” Graham said. “I’m working with the Council to find the right independent Chair to lead the Board, and then we’ll be looking for local residents who can bring their experience, passion and ideas to the table.”
Paul Hamnett, CEO of Hull KR Foundation said, “We’re excited to work with Graham and local partners to help unlock the potential of Southern Holderness.
“We have a terrific track record in East Hull and beyond and hope we can bring our expertise to Southern Holderness as part of the investment in the area.
“Young people in Southern Holderness have potential and we at the KR Foundation know that with the right support we can get people into work and contributing to the community.”
