'His work epitomises what it means to give back to your community and inspire change'

Baptist minister Dave Mann who founded a community association more than 25 years ago has received a prestigious award from his local council

 
Dave set up the Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA) in East Ham in 1998 and is currently its chair of trustees. BDCA supports a diverse cross-section of its local community, working with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
 
For this and his many contributions to the borough over the years he was presented with the Honorary Freedom of the Borough award at the Newham Civic Award Ceremony – the highest award Newham Council gives to residents (who are not former councillors) to recognise their significant contribution.
 
Dave, a minister at Bonny Downs Baptist Church, said, ‘I am humbled and honoured to receive this award. It’s really a recognition of the commitment and impact of the teams I’ve worked with to see God’s love changing lives and transforming our community for the better.
 
‘It’s a testimony to how prayer, honesty and sincerity are valued as we work together with elected members and government officers towards shared goals.’
 
Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz presented the award to Dave. She said, ‘David has made an impressive long-term commitment to our borough. His work epitomises what it means to give back to your community and inspire change.
 
‘I want to convey my personal thanks and gratitude to David because he has provided so much wisdom and sound counsel in the daily struggles and challenges of life.
 
‘When you occupy positions of leadership you are inevitably challenged and it’s especially powerful knowing that someone in our community keeps me close to his heart and prays for me and for my uplifting, and also prays for me to succeed.’
 
David received the award ‘in recognition of his three decades of volunteering to lead charities, churches and schools across Newham,’ said a statement on the BDCA website. 
 
‘David is a local resident, former journalist, a Baptist Church minister and community organiser.
 
‘He has also consulted on community organising internationally in places ranging from Tokyo to Kyrgyzstan to Tanzania.’
 
‘We are immensely proud of David,’ said Sarah Laing, Managing Director of BDCA. ‘He helped form our charity in 1998 and continues to lead it today with vision and passion as our Chair of Trustees.
 
‘His commitment and dedication to see communities transformed combined with his humble heart has been inspirational and set’s a wonderful example for generations to come!’
 

The Bonny Downs Community Association
 
BDCA It operates both a food bank and a community food club, where residents can choose a range of discounted food for just £5. It also runs a debt advice centre and supports homeless and vulnerably housed adults with job search support, life skills courses, showers, laundry facilities, advocacy and signposting.
 
There is a family hub, sport and fitness sessions for all ages and abilities, and a community Garden, as well as wide support for the over 65s.
 
Writing in the BDCA Impact Report 2023, Dave said, ‘The key to community organisation is to use what’s strong to address what’s wrong. It starts with focussing on people’s strengths and local assets and doing what you can with what you’ve got.
 
'When we set up BDCA 25 years ago I soon realised we were on the wrong side of the A13. Half a mile south in the Dockland regeneration area it seemed they were awash with money for community investment.
 
'It was far harder to persuade anyone to invest in Bonny Downs. At the time it was frustrating and disheartening but I’m now so grateful that we had to learn community organisation the hard way.
 
'We used our own skills and labour to start rebuilding The Well community centre and volunteers used strimmers to cut down the nine-acre jungle on Flanders Field.
 
'We developed strong relationships in our community and laid foundations for the way BDCA has been able to help so many people and projects use their strengths to come up with innovative ways to address the challenges we face.
 
'I’m immensely privileged to have worked with so many inspirational people and partners over the last quarter century. Thank you for your support in the achievements detailed in this report and everything we’ve achieved together.'
 
 

David is one of five ministers sharing one stipend at Bonny Downs Baptist Church, East Ham, and Chair of Bonny Downs Community Association.
 
He is Director of Seedbeds UK and London & South-East Co-ordinator of Urban Expression and is pioneering a church plant with the United Reformed Church in Manor Park, East London.

Top image | Dave receiving his award from Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE | Newham Council 
Middle image | Surrounded by family after receiving the award | BCDA