---
title: Neighbourhood mapping guide
date: 2026-08-11T11:59:00+01:00
author: Polly Taylor
canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/neighbourhood-mapping"
section: Pages
---
---

 

  

# Neighbourhood mapping guide

Neighbourhood mapping helps people build a shared picture of their local area by identifying community assets, relationships, challenges and opportunities.

 

 

          ![People sat round tables at an event](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_1008x567_crop_center-center_82_none/WJ-CUF-150526-67.jpg?v=1791190128)  

 

 

 

Neighbourhood mapping brings together local people to talk about what matters to them, and how they can build a thriving and connected community. It can reveal local strengths, highlight gaps in provision and help identify priorities for future action.

During the activity you’ll explore a number of themes and questions, including:

- What issues matter most to local residents?
- Are there gaps in local services, facilities or access to them?
- Where do people from different backgrounds meet and connect?
- What local strength, skills or resources could be built on?
- Who are the trusted local leaders, organisations and networks?

 

 

- What you’ll need
    
    A copy of our guide
    
    A map of the local area (or paper for drawing your own)
    
    Sticky notes, pens and highlighters
    
    Local data and background information (optional)
- Who to involve
    
    Invite a mix of people who know the local area well eg.
    
    Residents
    
    Community groups and volunteers
    
    Faith groups and local institutions
- Next steps
    
    Build new relationships and partnerships
    
    Explore local priorities and opportunities
    
    Plan further listening and engagement
    
    Take action together
 
 

 

 

 

 

Download your guide and get started with mapping your community.

 

 

 [      ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_120xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/CUF_NM_Social-Post-4_1080x1350px_Artwork.jpg?v=1790870010)  

 Neighbourhood Mapping Guide  (opens in a new tab)

 PDF 749 KB

 

  

 ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/CUF_Neighbourhood-Mapping_2026_Artwork.pdf?v=1790869162) 

 

 

 

## Other resources

 

- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/Look-Up-Tool-assets-2024-1650-x-1114.jpg?v=1787054188) ### [Parish data and comparison tool](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/parish-data-and-comparison-tool)
    
    Who lives in your community and what are the challenges they face? Our interactive tool will help you understand your community and know where to act.
- ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/20240218-Portrayed-Photography-IMG_6794.jpg?v=1787219062) ### [Project planning, funding and evaluation toolkit](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/project-planning)
    
    This guide helps churches and small community groups plan, fund and evaluate impactful projects. Whether you are launching something new or refining an existing project, it will help you create a clear vision, secure funding, and show your impact to supporters and funders.