Tackling all aspects of poverty
Our priorities in 2023
Our vision is a future where everyone in England can access a community of support when they need it most.
In 2023 we remained committed to tackling complex challenges like poverty and exclusion across England by mobilising people, churches, and whole communities to make a positive difference.
The government’s most recent figures state that 14.4 million people live in poverty in the UK, including 4.3 million children. That is over 1 in 5 people. In England, the number of homeless people has increased by a deeply concerning 14%, reaching 309,000, including almost 140,000 children.
With the complex and ever-evolving aspects of poverty and ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, it was a critical time to address all aspects of poverty holistically and create lasting change for the people and communities who need it most.
Inspired by that factor that unites many people of faith, that of seeking the common good and the best possible lives for all people, our focus remained on transforming lives and building stronger communities by reducing loneliness, boosting confidence, and fostering meaningful connections.
Key objectives in 2023:
1.Equip people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs to make a bigger difference in their local community.
- Expand the Growing Good Toolkit by providing additional resources that help churches connect social action with discipleship and growth.
- Work with local partners across England to provide personal care to those facing homelessness.
- Develop and support teachers to empower children with the financial education they need to thrive as adults.
- Listen to churches and communities to understand their developing needs and provide relevant tools to support them.
2. Amplify community voices and the distinctive value of faith-based social action.
- Amplify the voices of local communities, highlighting their struggles, and celebrate the crucial role churches play in supporting them.
- Showcase the unique value of faith-based social action and advocate for systemic change to influence policy and decisionmakers.
3. Build and mobilise a national movement of faith-based partners serving their community.
- Continue to support the Together Network, building a movement of faith-based social action that serves local communities.
- Support the Places of Welcome network by offering practical advice and resources to empower them to make a bigger difference in their local community.
How we understand and tackle poverty
At CUF we address the complex, interconnected factors of poverty through a holistic approach. Our programmes target:
- Poverty of identity: Enhancing self-worth and confidence.
- Poverty of relationships: Building strong, supportive networks.
- Poverty of resources: Ensuring access to essential resources like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
We help individuals escape or avoid this web of poverty by identifying and filling gaps through our local partners. Our faith-based approach addresses all dimensions of poverty, fostering a sense of belonging, trust, and hope within the community, and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Bishop Rob Wickham, CUF Group CEO“We believe loving and knowing your community is a vital first step in best understanding how to reach out and make a difference. It’s first and foremost living in a loving community that makes a place and people feel connected and valued.”
1. House of Commons Library Briefing Paper, ‘Poverty in the UK: Statistics’, Brigid Francis-Devine 8 April 2024
