Urban Outreach Bolton: CEO wins award from Archbishop of Canterbury

Dave Bagley, CEO of Urban Outreach Bolton, is one of the recipients of the 2021 Lambeth Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to the Church and wider society.

Past winners include scientists, doctors, musicians and activists.

Dave, 56, feels ‘honoured’ to receive The Langton Award for Community Service, but says that ‘this award is for the people of Bolton’ – and gives credit to the hundreds of volunteers who work with the charity, especially during the difficult times over the last 12 months.

The charity has supported more than 22,000 of the most vulnerable people in Bolton with food parcels over this past pandemic year.

Dave and Christine Bagley

Earlier this year, Dave and his wife Christine received MBEs in the Queen’s New Year Honours list and in 2020, the couple celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Dave said: “Some of the recipients have changed the course of history, so it feels odd to be on a list alongside them. It’s really incredible to share a space with so many famous and auspicious people.

“But I don’t want this award to be for me. Everything we get, it’s for the people of Bolton.”

Dave was adopted as a baby after being left on the steps of Barnardo’s. He founded Urban Outreach in Bolton in 1990, providing accommodation for homeless young people and then moved into areas like outreach help to sex workers, working with ex-offenders and in recent years has developed a focus on food poverty.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “Urban Outreach is the most significant ministry of Christian social action in Bolton and possibly Greater Manchester.

“Dave is outstanding in quality and creativity, supporting the most vulnerable people in society. He remains a truly humble and funny person, dependent on God in prayer and is motivated by his faith and his love for people.”