I have had the pleasure of working with Mr Gary Anderson for the past 4 months whilst serving a US DOD contract in Afghanistan with Page Group Security Services. During this time Gary has conducted Force Protection duties for a very high profile client in difficult conditions. Throughout he has remained enthusiastic, professional, and diligent. Faultless in his approach to security tasks, quick to learn new skills and utterly dependable. His attitude and quiet personality are perfect for the industry. I fully recommend Gary to any employer and would be willing to discuss the matter further at any given opportunity.
Mr Chris Chandler
Supervisor
Page Group
Amie Buckfield, London (Full name included at clients request)
“There’s something quite raw and fascinating about Gary’s personality. he holds the beautiful rare gift to inspire. Gary’s trustworthy nature and commitment to serve, makes our dealings an absolute pleasure for me. Nothing fazes this man and I can only put this down to his own life experience.
No two sessions have been the same, which keeps it fresh and his consistent professionalism makes him highly reliable.
Gary’s ability to connect and feel what is not working and not waste time on that, was exactly what I was looking for. My advice to anyone reading this would be: if you are willing and ready to take control, then Gary is definatley the man to help and guide you to being the better you that you deserve to be.
“Gary also introduced me to EFT (emotional freedom technique), I have to admit I was more than a little sceptical that ‘tapping’ would do anything for me. especially being hundreds of miles away and doing it on skype…How wrong was I!. I’m so glad I trusted Gary and give EFT a go. The results: Two months later I still feel absolutely incredible and I can see a complete 180 shift in my reactions to things that stressed me out before.
Gary, I personally thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me and others…especially all the ‘unspoken good deeds’ you do, that no-one hears about.”
“Attentive and skilled, I recommend Gary wholeheartedly to anyone who needs help to find peace in their world.”
JODY FOWLER
"I decided to move abroad alone to work. I had never had any reason to
do self Defence but thought I should get a few skills to be able to
deal with different situations if I found myself in them.
I met Gary, who tailor made a program including different life
scenarios, for me to follow that gave me Confidence to go it alone. He
helped me to identify potential risks within the business I was in,
and gave security advice that meant my own personal safety was then
not at risk.
Gary was very professional, and knowledgeable throughout the program, and
I would be more than happy to work with Gary again.”
CHRIS HEATHCOTE (Shift Supervisor)
have known Gary for the past year; I have had the pleasure of working with Gary out in Afghanistan 2011 – 2012.
On a Classified DOD contract.
Gary is a hard working individual and will complete any task, which is put in front of him.
He works well with his peers and is a great team member.
All the work I have seen Gary achieve has always ran smoothly and to plan if there was a target to be met he would meet it 100%
Gary is a great all-round guy and would be a valuable asset to any companies’ team.
MARK SCOTT (Team Leader, Northern Afghanistan)
Whilst in northern Afghanistan, I met Gary who was a member of my team. I got to know Gary very well, at the time he identified with me and after a short while he became in tune with my outlook on life. He gave me the insight and self confidence to address some issues that Id had previously overlooked in fact ignored in my life. Due to the nature of our job and where we were Gary’s professionalism and the ability to identify with people and lift their spirits in sometimes difficult and austere conditions is a credit to him. Throughout Gary’s life experience's he has the ability to offer something for everyone and he has the time to listen and empathise and offer a solution a skill sadly lacking in todays society”.
Mark Scott
Martin Breslin
Assistant Headteacher
St Thomas More Catholic Primary school
Gary Anderson: ‘Safeguarding Me’
Over the spell of a couple of months, Mr Gary Anderson has spent lots of time with our young people in sessions to develop their mental, physical and emotional well-being, discussing relevant issues and re-enacting potential future social situations to help provide children with strategies to deal with any circumstances they may find themselves in. The focus of the sessions is to help children to mentally prepare themselves for life in secondary school and young adulthood, a resource that the children in our care have sorely needed.
Children thoroughly enjoy their time with ‘Gaz’, skipping happily to go and work with him for their allocated time, often prompting teachers and begging to attend! The time is invaluably spent, as our pupils benefit enormously from the opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and the behaviours of others. Working practically (using self defence as a form of stress relief, for example), as well as partaking in role plays and conversation, children can really develop their understanding of self and techniques to improve their responses to emotional and social issues.
I would recommend schools seriously consider engaging with ‘Safeguarding Me’ to promote awareness of life skills and mental health issues for our young people. Mr Anderson is a highly professional and considerate visitor in school, who is happy and willing to engage with the children depending on their individual needs, including additional sessions, if beneficial. In our time working together, Mr Anderson has been very accommodating and worked around the schedules and the needs of the school, tailoring his work where possible, for the specific needs of children. Our pupils will most certainly be better prepared for transitioning ino secondary school due to the time they have spent with Mr Anderson.
‘Safeguarding Me’ is a fantastic course for young people that allows them to engage in role play, have peer discussions and recieve guidance from an adult they respect, in order to help them prepare for transition into life at secondary school: it is a programme that we would thoroughly recommend schools adopt.
Kirsty B, Nottingham
” I have had anxiety for as long as I remember. Looking back, it plagued my childhood and has sapped my energy on and off for many years. I am always looking for many ways to manage it, particularly ones that are simple and can be used anytime and anywhere. Gaz, who I know through something completely different, mentioned that Emotional Freedom Technique might help. We had a 90 minute session during which he taught me the basics and i have been using it ever since to bring calm when I feel anxiety welling up. Gaz was attentive and skilled during this session: he has a relaxing way about him that allows you to focus on yourself in a completely safe environment. I recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone who needs help to find peace in their world.”
Louise Mitchell, Lichfield, Birmingham
“I was in counselling with Gary for about one year, and the change that, not only I see in myself, but that everyone around me can see is astounding. A year ago, I believed that I was weak and feeling emotions was a form of weakness. I was angry all of the time and I pushed people away that cared about me because I felt I didn’t deserve them or couldn’t trust them, all because of one event that changed my life, or so I thought. Gary taught me that the abuse does not have to define you, and it certainly doesn’t make you weak. He supported me through very difficult times and helped me develop into the person I always was, before the abuse. I can now quite honestly say that I haven’t let my past define my future. I am happier, calmer and stronger which I owe to Gary’s patience, kindness and dedication. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me.”
Dave Mee
Senior SHE Manager
M Lambe Construction Ltd
Gary’s Mental Health talks on site had exactly the reaction we were hoping for.
All the operatives and managers on site were talking openly about mental health afterwards! Exactly what it's all about and what we were looking to achieve.
Suicides rates in men in the construction industry are alarming. We truly believe talks like the ones Gary delivers saves and improves lives.
The delivery of the course had everyone quietly listening, it was professional, very personal and open.
We look forward to working with Gary more in the future.
Geoff Thompson, BAFTA winning screenwriter (www.geoffthompson.com)
” If you have real problems in the world and you need a real solution, it goes without saying that you need to be guided and counselled by real people who understand and more importantly have overcome the very problems you are dealing with. These people are rare in the world,so it is with great pleasure and assurance that i highly recommend Gary; as a teacher, as a healer, and a counsellor of repute.He is a wonderful, gentle,massively experienced man, with a great elixer to share. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
David S. BowersPSS-Convoy Security Team LeaderAFGHANISTAN/2009-2012
In the time I spent working along side Gary in Afghanistan, I found him to be a complete professional in all his tasks, courteous and very respectful of all who encountered him.
Gary was well liked and respected by not only his co-workers but his superiors as well.
From his close protective work in Libya and his self defence skills, to his protective duties in Afghanistan, Gary would be a perfect fit in any given situation.
If you’re considering employing Gary you’re making a very wise decision!
Sarah Moore, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham (Full name included at clients request)
“After being in a violent relationship for 18 years, and finally having the strength to leave that environment, it was time for me to rebuild my strengths and manage my weaknesses. I thought I should be prepared for if needed to protect both myself and my children. Not knowing where to start with doing this, phoned Gary to ask his advice. Gary came round to the house to have a non committed chat to identify what the reasons were for me wanting to do self defence. He asked questions about my personal situation and the history, and said he would make sessions to suit the areas that needed to build on. He made me feel so comfortable and at ease. Our sessions work on confidence in different situations and the different mind set you need to have as well as, the physical aspect.”
Alex Martin, International Development Consultant, Libya
“Gary is an excellent security and personal protection officer. He is professional, disciplined and highly aware, whilst retaining a low-key, relaxed manner which puts people at their ease. Thanks to his professionalism in a very hostile environment, I was able to focus fully on my business and forget about issues of security. He has real presence, combined with the ability to blend into the background when necessary – in key business meetings I literally forgot he was there. I would happily work with Gary again.”
Gregory.W.Price Operations Manager, Page Protective Services Ltd, Afganistan
“Gary was working in Afghanistan, providing operational security and force protection services. In the time he was their I found Gary to possess the higher character, ethics,and dedication to duty. It has been my honor and pleasure to work alongside Gary and I can highly recommend him to any future employer, anywhere in the world. he is a dependable and reliable team player and an example of a professional at all times. He has performed his duties with skill and enthusiasm, he has been an outstanding example of calm competence for all the members of his team and they have benefited from his experience.”
Spring Hill High School, Erdington, Birmingham
“Gary has been providing 1:1 support to the young people in our school. The young people love to work with Gary and he is having a very positive impact on their lives. Gary wears his heart on his sleeve, which makes him so approachable and easy to talk to.”
Shane Kiely HR & Wellbeing Manager M Lambe Construction Ltd
Gary has helped our business no end. Before we discovered Gary, mental health issues and people having genuine concerns about them were not handled well. Sometimes performance was affected, not to mention our moral sadness at someone clearly in pain. With Gary in place, all our colleagues who have attended confidential sessions remain at work, productive and there is a night and day difference between before and after. We consider Gary to be a key part of our forward-thinking wellbeing agenda within construction, which is doubly tough. Gary is one of a kind and is a true asset to our collective workplace wellbeing’
Eddie Quinn, Martial Arts Instructor
“Gary has walked down many different paths in his life. He has a wealth of knowledge in many areas and has a rare gift to be able to share his own life’s experiences to help others make their own lives better.
He is a well respected member of my instructor team who always carries around with him a welcoming smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Gary is humble, polite and one of life’s nice guys, however you should never mistake Gary’s kindness for weakness, beneath the smile is a highly professional individual, totally focused on the client, class or task.”
Tony Somers BACP Counsellor, 5th Dan Martial Artist and author of Fighter Rescuer Healer
Gary is a unique character. He is a very caring man, who knows what it is like to feel both physical and emotional pain. Gary's experience doesn't just come from books but from real life experience.
His earlier life was a mix of emotional 'hard' times and destructive, physical escapism. However this is not what makes him unique as there are lots of very physical men in the world who might marinate themselves in this type of situation. Gary has transcended from a world where being emotionally deprived and being physical was the 'norm' to now using all of the knowledge he has learnt on his journey to help others.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gary on any level, his honesty and integrity shine through.
Jamie.Taylor, Erdington, Birmingham
“When I met Gaz I had no confidence. I wouldn’t go on buses or trains or go out without support. He helped me with my confidence and my anxiety. He has helped me with my motivation and facing some of my fears. These issues I had in the past, were controlling my life and Gaz has helped me be more in control of my life. Now I can get on buses and trains by myself and much more!
I also do self -defence with Gaz which has helped me a lot, too. I had no confidence and I could not even leave the house by myself but now I walk places by myself due to the help and support that Gaz gave me. Now, I feel I have many more skills when making decisions for myself and my independent living skills which have improved hugely.
Gaz is so easy to get on with, a great listener, great understanding of others and has a great personality. I would highly recommend his services as it has helped me a lot”.
Dave Hill, Site Security Program Manager, Afghanistan
“Gary worked in Afghanistan as an Armed Security Professional, and I was his Program Manager. He continuously looked for ways to improve services to the client, develop a “team” mentality among his peers, and strive for personal improvement. He demonstrated a strong ability to interact with persons of different cultures. Based on Gary’s professional and consistent actions, he was often put into positions of responsibility beyond that of his peers. In performing those duties, he continued to excel and would have been a strong candidate for future promotion if he had not been demobilized along with the rest of the staff. His immediate team leader commented to me that he would have liked 80 Gary’s in his team.”
Graham Stoneman, Chief Instructor Solihull Self Defence
“Gary is an excellent instructor and an all round, genuine nice guy. He is passionate about what he teaches and knows what training works in real life situations. He is a superb teacher and gets the best out of everyone he trains.
He is one of the highest qualified people in life experience, that I have met training in self defence, Gary is second to none.”
Jack Gilligan, Mosely, Birmingham (Full name included at clients request)
“I started training with Gary two years ago. Since then, it has been easy to underestimate the impact that the training has had on my own life. The way I stand, the way I walk, and the way I hold myself has all changed. Most importantly however, my self-confidence has increased. Gary’s tuition ensures that this doesn’t manifest itself in arrogance, cockiness or needless aggression. After a short amount of time training with Gary, you begin to notice a quiet confidence in yourself that you didn’t before. In normal everyday life the training seems to nestle in nicely with the life you were used to leading. This is to say, Gary’s training doesn’t alter the person you are; it simply enhances certain aspects of your life. With the obvious benefits of fitness, on reflection Gary’s training has without doubt proved to be one of the best things I have ever undertaken. He is an out and out gentleman, someone with whom you can confide and trust to no end. His attitude to teaching was perfect for me and his eagerness to see his students succeed pushed me through the difficult times in training. I would recommend his training to anybody who wants to build there confidence, feel more aware on the inside as well as the outside and learn skills that are tailored to the individual”.
Gary Wicker, Director, NetworkFour, Birmingham
“I have known Gary for a number years in both a professional capacity and a personal one. What shines through with Gary he is a very humble individual and has a great understanding of people from all walks of life. Gary is caring, detailed, flexible, trust worthy and sensitive. He has a special quality that enables him to both challenge and set boundaries, but also to be able to understand and use his personal walk to amazing use to help the people that choose to engage.”
Marcus Parsons, Manager, Inclusion Drug & Psychological Therapy Service, Birmingham
“I have had the pleasure of working with Gary for some years. As a service manager for drug and alcohol services, Gary has shown himself able to have an open, non judgmental and empathic attitude to all he has come into contact with. That may be Doctors, vulnerable individuals or partnership organisations. He has at all times been able to adapt quickly and professionally to all situations and show initiative, intelligence and creativity: to ensure the best for his clients. He will go the extra mile, with compassion, respect, boundaries and with professionalism. He is truly a unique individual considering his varied work experience, which shows an individual with passion, flexibility and intelligence that is hard to find.”