---
title: How CUF understands poverty
date: 2026-08-12T09:55:00+01:00
author: Polly Taylor
canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/evidence-and-insight/web-of-poverty"
section: Pages
---
---

 

  

# How CUF understands poverty

It can help to imagine poverty as a web of interconnected challenges that shape a person’s or a community’s ability to thrive, including poverty of identity, poverty of resources and poverty of relationships.

 

 

 

### Web of poverty: a framework for interconnected challenges

 

 

        ![A diagram describing the interlinking elements of a web of poverty](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_280x158_crop_center-center_82_none/web-of-poverty-rectangle.png?v=1787152972) Poverty extends far beyond lack of financial resources. When people cannot afford essential needs like heating and nutritious food, it can be daunting to seek help, particularly when compounded by feelings of low self-esteem and lack of social support. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the community, leaving individuals questioning their sense of belonging.

It can be helpful to imagine poverty as a web of interconnected challenges that significantly impact an individual’s or a community’s ability to thrive.

 

 

 

 

1. 1 Poverty of identityPoverty of identity is when people lack self-worth and a belief in their ability to overcome challenges. This can lead to low self-esteem, a lack of resilience and aspiration, poor mental health and low emotional well-being.
2. 2 Poverty of resourcesPoverty of resources is a lack of essential resources such as money, skills, qualifications, housing or health needed to achieve a good standard of living. This extends beyond material possessions to include opportunities, choices, and the ability to participate fully in society.
3. 3 Poverty of relationshipsPoverty of relationships is characterised by social isolation, lack of belonging, and limited access to supportive networks and resources, depriving people of vital connections and opportunities for growth and well-being.
 
 

 

 [      ![A diagram describing the interlinking elements of a web of poverty](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_120xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/web-of-poverty-rectangle.png?v=1787152972)  

 The web of poverty

 PDF 94 KB

 

  

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Web-of-poverty-doc-1.25.pdf?v=1787220772) 

 

 

 

      ![A male vicar in a garden](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_356x356_crop_center-center_82_none/ABCD-day-Hodge-Hill-May-2026-Large.jpg?v=1787050952)  

Poverty isn’t a line in the sand. It’s a series of weblike snares which trap people and communities in life-limiting choices.

Revd Adam Edwards, CUF Deputy CEO

 

 

 

 

## Parish data and comparison tool

 

 

Every community has needs that aren’t always visible and it can be hard to know where to start to make a meaningful difference. Our free-to-use Parish data and comparison tool gives you clear data about poverty, housing, education and more in your local area, so you can make a grounded case for action and ensure projects and initiatives are targeted and effective.

 

 

## Find your parish

Search by parish name or full postcode to view its profile and deprivation data.

  

 

 

 

    

 

 

### Compare with another parish

Sign in or register for free to compare your parish with another parish in your diocese or elsewhere in England

 [Sign in](https://cuf.org.uk/user/login?returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fevidence-and-insight%2Fweb-of-poverty) [Register for free](https://cuf.org.uk/user/signup?resource=parishDataAndComparisonTool&returnTo=%2Fresources%2Fevidence-and-insight%2Fweb-of-poverty)