28/09/2026
Why Understanding York is innovative?
Paul Hildreth explains...
"Understanding York, produced as part of York’s No One Left Behind project, offers an innovative approach to understanding poverty and place. Rather than viewing poverty solely through statistics, deprivation measures, or individual circumstances, it asks a deeper question: why is poverty in York the way it is, and how does understanding the city help explain it?
The report brings together the city's social, economic and historical development to explore how place shapes people's opportunities and experiences. It therefore links today's poverty to York's longer-term evolution, recognising that disadvantage is not simply a matter of income but also involves relationships, community and belonging.
Its innovation also lies in its purpose. This is not research undertaken merely to describe York. It is intended to provide a shared understanding that enables churches, charities, civic organisations and others to work together more effectively. It sits alongside the mapping of church and Christian social action, bringing together insights into need, place and existing provision.
In this sense, Understanding York is both a place-based analysis and a catalyst for collaboration—helping the city shift from asking “what is the problem?” to “what can we do together?” to enable No One Left Behind by working across the City."
Find out more gathermovement.org/2026/09/28/understandingyork/
