Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson faced his biggest demons head-on in Winter of 2009, and survived. His silent battle with depression escalated to suicidal thoughts and alcohol abuse, but he showed immense strength to pull himself back from the brink and choose life. Now, Matt is using his story to help others, and send a clear message to mental health sufferers; “you are not alone”. Particularly driven to relate with young men, who are the most likely to fall victim to suicide in the UK, an event featuring Matt benefits from his vast experience as a television presenter, as well as his first-hand account of mental health issues.

At his lowest moments, Matt described how he felt “so very alone”. The feeling of isolation and loneliness chipped away at his wellbeing until he contemplated taking his own life. After three years, he started to find himself again, and though the road to recovery was tough, he found solace in a strong support circle and marathon training. At events, he highlights the power of asking for help, and how reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step to a happier mindset.

As a presenter, Matt has worked with some of the biggest programmes in television. He is best known for his appearances on This Morning, where Matt hosted their interactive Hub for three years. He has also co-presented OK! TV, The National Lottery Draw and Surprise Surprise. In 2017, he presented the powerful S4C’s documentary, Matt Johnson: Depression and Me, which related his experience of suicide with the struggles many young men face. In recognition of such ground-breaking work, he was named in the Top 50 Most In-Demand Charity Ambassadors in the World.

Matt is an ambassador for the mental health charity, MIND. With the organisation, he trained for and ran the London Marathon, and embarked on the Mind 3000, a 24-hour trek that raised £50,000. He is keenly passionate about helping people take the leap and ask for help, a core focus that aligns with MIND’s ethos. Another of Matt’s inspiring campaigns was with Time to Change Wales, which urged people to reach out to the people around them suffering with their mental health. At events, he voices this same message, to encourage audiences to look out for one another, and recognise the symptoms of poor mental health.