New statistics released by the Government name the English neighbourhoods where life is toughest according to a range of factors. And that’s right where you’ll find The Message at work.
The 2025 Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) measures the proportion of the population experiencing deprivation relating to low income, employment, education, health, crime, barriers to housing and services, and living environment. People living in the neighbourhoods named in the top 10% most deprived often feel overlooked and forgotten. As Christians, we know this shouldn’t be the case, and it’s right in the heart of these communities that you’ll find our Eden teams and Community Groceries sharing Jesus’ love in word and action.
Seven of the 10 neighbourhoods named as the most deprived are in Blackpool. It’s here the Eden Central Drive team have made their home for the long-term. Living on streets named in the second and third most deprived areas in England, the team (launched by The Message in partnership with Beacon Church) build friendships with their neighbours, support them practically and act as their voice to others.
‘Stats give an insight into the challenges faced by those living in our community, we’re not saying life is easy. But what stats miss is the beauty of our neighbourhood, the lives lived together, where family is formed beyond bloodlines and mutual, genuine care for each other is the norm. Finances may be tight but relational wealth abounds.
‘For Beacon Church and Eden Central Drive, it is a privilege to call this place home, to see what God is already doing here and join in sharing the hope of Jesus that transforms lives, now and for eternity.’
Matt Lockwood, Beacon Church
A few minutes down the road, is Blackpool Community Grocery. The Message opened it in partnership with Kings Church in 2022 and it’s now serving almost 4,000 families. The team not only keep families fed but offer money management and other courses. Lives are impacted as members shop in store and have the chance to hear the gospel.
‘Life expectancy is 12 years lower here than the national average and there are significant issues with health, child poverty, antisocial behaviour and suicide. Putting affordable food on the table takes a simple but huge burden off people’s shoulders – all whilst pointing members to the hope Jesus offers.’
Chris Lowry, Blackpool Community Grocery manager
And it’s not just Blackpool we’re working in, it’s right across the UK. In Middlesbrough, the Newport Road and Union Street area has been named among the most deprived 1% of areas in every iteration of the IMD data since 2004. We opened a Community Grocery just five minutes’ drive away in partnership with St Barnabus church in 2022. In fact, 93% of our Community Groceries are either located in or just a five minute drive from an area in the bottom 10% most deprived. It matters to us to be where people need us most.
‘I love that the new stats show that The Message Trust is working in the right places, serving those Christ calls his own, and how we get to share his love with those who desperately need to hear it.’
‘I am confident that Jesus would have paid close attention to the indices of deprivation. The one who was born into poverty, fled as a refugee and identified himself with the hungry, the stranger, the sick and the prisoner seemed to prioritise those in greatest need. Any ministry in his name will be drawn in the same way. Follow Jesus and he will lead you to the margins and to those experiencing poverty.’
Sam Ward, UK CEO of The Message Trust and former Eden team member
More about our work in communities
Eden
Eden sends and supports teams of urban missionaries in estates and inner cities to live sacrificially, share the gospel and build authentic community.
Find out more
Community Groceries
We’re on a mission to provide affordable food to the families around the UK who need it the most.
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