Case study - Chris and Anna, Hull Youth for Christ

150 years ago, former Hull resident William Wilberforce broke the chains of oppression that bound slaves. Today, the Church Urban Fund supports Chris and Anna and the team in Hull as they work hard to set people free from another kind of slavery: that of poverty and its effects.

Chris and Anna, and their children Elijah and Kavita, live in one of Hull's most deprived communities. Nearly half of the children live in poverty here; unemployment is twice the national average and two in three young people leave school with fewer than five GCSEs including English and Maths. A quarter of residents experience poor mental health. Alcoholism and drug use are rife.

Living here is not always easy, but it is worth it, say Chris and Anna. Throughdaily breakfast clubs, where children can practice reading and get help withhomework and mums and dads can find support, after-school and parenting courses and by simply loving and caring for their neighbours, the community is gradually changing.

Chris believes that local churches have a key role to play in tackling poverty in England's poorest communities. 'It's hard, but I feel like the church has pulled out a little bit,' he says. 'I can understand it, because it isn't easy. But I think if the church moved back in it could really make a difference.'

Fourteen years after Chris and Anna moved to Hull, lives are being turned around; transformed. People are being given opportunities to break free from their addictions, young people are re-engaging with education, families are learning how to better get along. Many are discovering the fullness of life that only a relationship with God can bring.

Church Urban Fund has supported the work in Hull since 1994, including funding a Family Support Worker, Emma, and most recently paying for local mum Julie to train to help run their popular parenting course. 'Without the money from Church Urban Fund, this just wouldn't have happened,' says Chris. 'People's lives have been radically changed. Young people are doing stuff now that they would just never have imagined.'

You can visit Chris and Anna's community today by watching our Poverty Sunday film.