Toby Gorniak MBE, also known as Toby G, a distinguished leader, an extraordinary community activist, artist, and advocate for social inclusion. I have had the privilege of witnessing Toby’s work over the years and can personally attest to the profound impact he has made on individuals, communities, and the broader cultural landscape.

I can't recommend Toby and the Gorniak method enough. It has real, tangible impact and is a powerful tool that pushes boundaries and delivers positive results. As an academic, researcher, artist and company director  I have come across a number of approaches and methods but this is up in my top five. I recommend the Gorniak method to any school, institution, organisation and individual. The method is accessible and considers people from diverse backrounds, mixed abilities and I have seen it in action and know of its impact.

I have witnessed Toby carry out educational inputs, using dance, mentoring and culture as well as his personal experiences to challenge all forms of discrimination. The quality of these workshops resulted in Toby been invited to work alongside the Police and other partner agencies in supporting our "Respecting Differences" Anti Racism schools programme across the region.

Toby is sincere, hardworking and dedicated to supporting all ages of the community. In more recent months his project work has broadened out showing how inclusive he is working with young people and young adults who are within the justice system and have previously failed to engage- thank you Toby for your dedication and making such a difference in our communities.

Through Toby’s work we have watched our young people flourish under his inspirational and excellent tutellage.
His passion for breaking down barriers with the use of dance & mentoring has been nothing less than inspirational, so much so, that we want the world to know.

Toby’s work has not only improved the life chances and experiences for our communities , but also saved the public purse the expense of interventions further down the line. Toby is in effect helping level up our City by helping more people to be useful and economically active members of our society, thereby improving the local economy.

Over the past two decades, Toby Gorniak MBE has been a powerhouse of community service and positive transformation for Plymouth, while also building connections nationally and internationally to foster inclusive communities. Through his work, Toby has impacted the lives of over 400 young people weekly, unlocking individual potential and inspiring resilience. His creative achievements include choreographing and performing for more than 100 charity events and founding the UK's largest Hip Hop event, which showcased the power of unity and expression through dance. Toby’s commitment to inclusivity has made him a role model for Plymouth. His work embraces people from all backgrounds and abilities, embodying the spirit of community and social impact. His contributions have put Plymouth on the map, earning him an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen and an honorary fellowship from the city. He was also honoured to carry the Queen’s Baton through Plymouth for the Commonwealth Games.

Toby Gorniaks programmes are beneficial for the wellbeing of the wider community. His work is deemed as transformative for many lives - helping people with issues regarding confidence, life and social skills, mental health, addictions, employment and disability. Toby’s methods nurture positive behaviour changes, which in turn improves general health and wellbeing.

In this world, we need individuals who demonstrate that despite adversity, we can take initiative and exert our agency to enhance and create better communities. Toby exemplifies such leadership, and as we face challenging times ahead, we need more people like Toby to guide us towards a brighter future.

Description Mount Tamar is a school for your people who have had difficulty in mainstream education and who have a variety of complex diagnosis such as mental health and emotional difficulties, adhd, attachment, ASD, ODD and trauma. Many come from deprived backgrounds and have suffered abuse or seen abuse in their family. I had hoped that Toby might be able to engage the pupils and build some self-esteem.

The effect was amazing!

6 months later Mount Tamar pupils were performing on the stage in Plymouth to an audience of 200. Toby always sees the best in everyone and has been a great asset to our school.