See how Christians tackle poverty: Kirkby

T.A.N.G.O project - St Mark's church, Kirkby

Loneliness is a type of social poverty - at Church Urban Fund, we refer to it as a poverty of relationship

In many deprived areas, it can be fairly difficult to see the physical effects of poverty. Families may have flat-screen TVs, games consoles or computers - but the reality is that many have to borrow the money, often from doorstep lenders at huge interest rates, because they are not able to get credit elsewhere. 

Being socially cut off or isolated from others in the community - through unemployment, single parenthood, disability or lack of confidence - causes loneliness and depression, a type of invisible poverty that affects individuals at a fundamental level.

In Kirkby, St Mark's church started the T.A.N.G.O. project - Together as Neighbours Giving Out - as a way of tackling financial and social poverty in the area. Combining a shop, cafe and community space, it offers affordable and friendly support throughout the day.

Watch as Christel Stafford, the church's Community Worker, describes how T.A.N.G.O. is making a real difference: