Danyl Johnson
Nominated for The Inspiration Award sponsored by McDonald’s
Entertainer and presenter Danyl Johnson has been put forward for The Inspiration Award for his work encouraging and supporting children, and a men's group, in the sphere of mental health.
The singer from Theale, who became widely known after his success on ITV's The X Factor, has a
busy schedule but volunteers to support the Reading community.
The award, sponsored by McDonalds, celebrates a person who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same. Or simply someone who is a positive role model for young people.
“Oh my goodness – this describes Danyl!” the nominator said.
“Danyl is passionate about making people think differently about issues that challenge us in life,” they added.
A positive role model, Danyl goes into schools to talk to children about many issues and to help make them more resilient, said the nomination. “He visited my school and the impact on the children is remarkable. And he makes no charge to the schools he visits.”
The singer, a former teacher who also works as a People's Postcode Lottery ambassador, covers topics like taking a risk; finding a mentor; vulnerability; finding your passion; thinking about the effect you have on others and believing in yourself.
“The impact on some vulnerable children has been SO powerful for their mental health, and self confidence has soared,” said his nominator.
To support the project Danyl has written, recorded and published on YouTube, a series of ‘Little Help’ podcasts.
He has also volunteered with a weekly men's mental health podcast in Theale. “He is a man working tirelessly but quietly in our community to make life easier for others,” said his nominator.
Danyl, a Patron of the Pride of Reading Awards and one of its entertainment directors who also performs at the annual lunch, won the Community Champion award in 2015. This year he has been nominated again for the award, sponsored by Reading Football Club, for his work on The Little Help Project in local schools.
