Outstanding Contribution to a TMO by a Young Person

We’re delighted to present Josiah Danso, this years recipient of an Outstanding Contribution to a TMO by a Young Person (aged under 25).

At just 19 years old, Josiah Danso has already shown remarkable commitment, maturity, and leadership in his work with Roupell Park RMO and a local youth-focused charity, CEF Lyncx. As a long-time resident of Roupell Park, Josiah is not only a product of the estate but is now actively shaping its future through inclusive programming, youth mentorship, and sports-based engagement.

Josiah’s journey began when he joined CEF Lyncx’s summer programme at the age of 11, alongside his two younger sisters. The programme, designed to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, provided a structured, nurturing space for local children during the long summer holidays. As a family of African descent facing significant hardship, Josiah’s family was among those most in need of such support.

Just a few months ago, Navlet, one of the CEF Lyncx leads, commented: “Do you remember when you brought the children over to my session one afternoon and told me we had to take all three Dansos, even though the programme was full? I remember you saying that their situation was exactly why we created the programme — to provide for the most vulnerable families. I understood that we had to make space for them, and that our activities were not just about entertainment; they were a lifeline.”

In many ways, Josiah grew up with CEF Lyncx. He joined all sessions we provided: the youth forum, attended after-school sessions, and built strong relationships with staff who saw his potential even during difficult times. At the age of 13, Josiah experienced a particularly turbulent time. He became disruptive during sessions, prone to anger and unwilling to accept solutions. This behaviour coincided with a significant family breakdown: Josiah’s father left the family permanently, returning to Africa without further contact or financial support. The emotional and financial impact on Josiah and his siblings was profound.

Josiah now credits this period — and the intervention of CEF Lyncx staff, especially Christian and Navlet, along with the support of Roupell Park — as a turning point in his life. Without this guidance he believes he could have taken a very different path. At the time, there were clear signs of gang recruitment and anti-social behaviour involving boys his age on the estate. Josiah was walking a very fine line.
At the age of 16, Josiah began volunteering with CEF Lyncx — a paid opportunity offered to former participants of the summer programme who had shown commitment over the years. CEF Lyncx delivers sessions for both mainstream children and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Initially, Josiah was hesitant to engage with the SEND group, unsure of how to connect with children who had additional needs. However, with encouragement from Christian and Navlet — who believed the experience could help him develop greater empathy and emotional control — he agreed to give it a try. Their instincts proved right.

Working with children with special needs became therapeutic for Josiah. He began to appreciate the value of patience, empathy, and connection. He soon requested to stay with the SEND group rather than move into the mainstream summer sessions. Over time, his role developed, and he became a trusted and dependable member of staff.

“Working with children with disabilities forces you to think outside the box,” Josiah says. “Some children are more challenging than others, but once you find a way to calm them and communicate, it becomes very rewarding.”

Josiah’s lived experiences — his own struggles and his personal growth — now inform how he mentors other young people.

“When I was younger, I had my ups and downs. Now that I’m a staff member, I sometimes feel like a hypocrite telling kids to behave better because I used to act up, too. But coming back to CEF Lyncx made me realise I enjoy working with kids — and it gave me a chance to learn and improve.”

At Roupell Park, Josiah also runs inclusive sports sessions and has become a key figure in the estate’s Boot Camp programme, using football — his lifelong passion — to engage young people in fitness, teamwork, and positive interaction. He’s helped children grow their confidence while developing his own coaching skills.

He is a passionate advocate for youth needs and fairness. Noticing that older teens from outside the estate sometimes monopolised the MUGA (multi-use games area), discouraging younger children from playing, Josiah proposed a timetable system to ensure everyone had access. This kind of practical, inclusive thinking shows how deeply Josiah cares about creating a safe and balanced environment for all young people in the community.

“Go outside, stay active, keep fit, and find activities you enjoy — especially sports,” he says. “Doing something you like can support your personal growth and benefit the community as well. This certainly is my story line. “

Josiah is now studying to complete his coaching certificate with Fulham FCF. He continues to support his younger sisters as a caring and steady presence and is a powerful role model to other young people at Roupell Park.

His transformation — from a struggling teenager to a respected mentor, coach, and youth leader — is both inspiring and humbling. His contributions to the local RMO, especially in terms of engaging hard-to-reach young people and supporting inclusion for children with special needs, have had a deep and lasting impact.

Josiah Danso exemplifies the very essence of this award — a young person who has transformed personal adversity into purposeful action, and who leads with empathy, resilience, and vision. His journey from a vulnerable participant in need of support to a trusted mentor, coach, and role model is a powerful reflection of what is possible when young people are truly invested in.

Josiah doesn’t just represent the future of Roupell Park — he is already shaping it, day by day, through every session he delivers and every young life he touches.