Posted on: 6th January 2025

The New Year Honours List for 2025 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK who have made achievements in public life, and committed themselves to serving and helping the UK.

This year Dave Paterson, the founder of Unity in Poverty Action (UPA), received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to disadvantaged people in Leeds. UPA exists to assist the Christian Community and the wider city in working together to tackle poverty in Leeds. It runs the Leeds Homeless Charter, co-ordinates Pray4Leeds, and chairs the Food Aid Network.

UPA is a charity project of the Leeds Christian Community Trust. LCCT is incredibly proud of his work being recognised and believes it is truly well-deserved.