MR CHRIS CHANDLER, SUPERVISOR, PAGE GROUP
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.
AMIE BUCKFIELD, LONDON
"There's something quite raw and fascinating about Gaz's personality — he holds a rare gift to inspire. Nothing fazes this man, and I put that down to his own life experience. No two sessions were ever the same, and his ability to connect and feel what isn't working, without wasting time on it, was exactly what I was looking for.
Gaz introduced me to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). I was sceptical 'tapping' would do anything for me over Skype — how wrong I was. Two months later I still feel incredible, and I can see a complete 180-degree shift in how I react to things that used to stress me out.
Attentive and skilled, I recommend Gaz wholeheartedly to anyone who needs help finding peace in their world."
PRINCIPAL, COFFEY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
"In July 2011 I travelled to Benghazi, Libya as Principal of Coffey International Development. Gary Anderson provided Close Protection throughout my visit — a challenging environment where I needed to engage with Libyan officials, militia, and civil society stakeholders without the cultural barriers that heavy-handed security can create.
Gary struck the perfect balance: professional protection that never felt intrusive. He judged precisely when to stay close and when to stand back, according to the threat level and the relationships I was trying to build. During the visit we found ourselves stuck in Libya without a driver — Gary organised safe passage across the border, arranging various transport to get us back to Cairo, maintaining strong protocols throughout despite the limited foreknowledge either of us had of how things would unfold. Having worked with CP providers across Iraq, Afghanistan, and other environments, I can say his approach was the most professional I've encountered — I've since requested him for my subsequent visits to Libya.
What impressed me most was his sensitivity to both the physical security picture and the human dynamics around me. At times it seemed he had a genuine sixth sense for the dynamics of situations, conversations and relationships, defusing potential issues before they arose. I recommend Gary without reservation."
SPECIAL FORCES MEDICAL SUPPORT UNIT ASSOCIATION
Gary thank you for your hard work and commitimented to supprting our association. You have raised £2634 during your sponsored walk completing the Camino Frances. We are so grateful you have chosen to support our association which supports members of the Special Forces medical community and their families in times of need.
MICHAEL LAMBE, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT M.LAMBE CONSTRUCTION
I am proud that we have rolled this out across all of our sites now and in the coming weeks.
Gary is a walking example of how we can overcome adversity and we are grateful to him and Michelle for sharing their story.
DAVE LYNCH SITE MANAGER, McDERMOTTS, ASTON,BIRMINGHAM
Many thanks to whoever decided to book up this presentation by Gary and Michelle . The feed back from the lads was all very positive and hopefully it will get us all talking more, which in turn will improve are mental health and well-being . The thoughts from this site is that it was the best work stoppage we have had – it’s a course and topic that everyone can relate too.
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 hroughout the program, andI would be more than happy to work with Gary again.”
DAVID HILL, PROGRAM MANAGER-SECURITY
Mr Anderson worked for Page in Afghanistan as an Armed Security Professional and I was his Program Manager. Mr Anderson was demobilised along with other staff, when the contract ended. Mr. Anderson comported himself with ongoing professionism until the last dayof the contract. Mr Anderson worked at a classified location in support of United States Special OperationsCommand (USSOC). His duties included all aspects of Force Protection including; vehicle and personel searches, operation of surveillance equipment including Backscatter and vechile x-ray technoligies, personnel scanners, on site of local national workes and convoy security off site. mr Anderson continously looked for ways to improve services to the client, develop a team mentality amongst his peers and strive for personal improvement. He demonstrated an ability to interact with persons of different cultures. based on Mr. Anderson 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. His immediate supervisorcommented to me that he wouldhave liked to have 80 Gary Anderons on shift
DARREN REID, KEIR GROUP PLC
Today we welcomed Secure Mind Solutions to our Rail site in Darlaston for a full site, mental health Stand-Down. Without going into too much detail, as we hope that you get the experience yourself, Gary & Michelle’s authentic delivery made a huge impact on all the attendees.Their sincere and transparent approach highlighted the importance of identifying, acknowledging, understanding and battling mental health.Their message also provided a valuable opportunity for everyone present to pause and reflect, not only on their own life experiences but also on the well-being of those around them and the importance of bearing it in mind.We would highly recommend that you get in touch with them and arrange your own site Stand-Down to experience this powerful and very brave presentation.
STEPH HINES, GROUP HR DIRECTOR, AX-UK
As a Company we engaged Gary 5 months ago to assist our Colleagues during the COVID lockdown. Gary has had fantastic feedback from those he has helped. Gaz’s style is so versatile and his skill set very diverse, allowing him to effectively help others with a range of issues and challenges. Gaz is a pleasure to work with. He is timely, reliable and has a great ethos and aura. Nothing is to much for Gaz. I would highly recommend him.
CHRIS HEATHCOTE (Shift Supervisor)
I 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.
CATHERINE REID, ON-SCREEN JOURNALIST ITV CENTRAL
It was really great to have Gary come and give a talk to ITV Central about his life story and Mental Health. He was so open and honest and I think that's so important when discussing these issues that are so often brushed under the carpet. His talk generated many questions and Gary didn't shy away from answering anything. Afterwards, many colleagues praised Gary's bravery and said it was a truly enlightening talk.
STUART HOPKINS, PROJECT MANAGER, McDERMOTTS CIVIL ENGINEERING, ASTON, BIRMINGHAM
Gary/ Michelle,
Lovely to meet you both and thank you for the mental health talks today and the chat afterwards. Very helpful and the guys got a lot out of it and hopefully we as an industry start to talk openly about mental health.
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
ANDREW BEAN, DIRECTOR LMB GROUP CLECKHEATON WWW.LMB-GROUP.CO.UK
We asked Gary to come into our company to share his life journey. Our aim was to open the gates and widen the awareness of the importance of mental health to our workforce. Gary had us all gripped from the start and, along with his story, questions were asked and answered with great honesty and dignity. His story is so real and so enlightening. His message is clear – you don’t need to be mentally unwell, as thoughts and behaviours can be changed. He is the epitome of that! He certainly left people with plenty of food for thought. I would highly recommend him as a speaker.
MARTIN BRESLIN, ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER, ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
"Gary Anderson has spent time with our pupils through 'Safeguarding Me', helping them build the mental, physical and emotional resilience they need for secondary school and beyond. Using a mix of role play, conversation and practical work like self-defence for stress relief, Gaz helps children reflect on their own behaviour and develop real strategies for social and emotional situations.
The children adore his sessions — they're often asking to attend! Gaz is professional, considerate and flexible, tailoring every session to the needs of our pupils and working seamlessly around our school's schedule.
I'd strongly recommend 'Safeguarding Me' to any school wanting to support pupils' life skills and mental health. Thanks to his work, our children are far better prepared for the transition to secondary school."
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.”
OLIVIA HARRIS, ST JOESPH'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, SUTTON COLDFIELD
"Gary is a real asset to our school."
For six years, Gary delivered the 'Safeguarding Me' programme to our Year 6 pupils, and both children and parents speak very highly of it. He builds trust with children quickly, drawing on his own experiences to help them work through fears, struggles and anxieties in a space where they feel genuinely safe. He goes the extra mile for pupils and works closely with staff to tailor each session.
Children and staff alike find Gary approachable and warm — sessions with him are always something to look forward to. Most of all, it's been wonderful to watch pupils grow in confidence, self-esteem and maturity as a result.
LOUISE MITCHELL LICHFIELD
"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.”
RICHARD WILLIAMS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KEON HOMES
As Managing Director of a House Builder I thought it was paramount to attend the talk Gary and Michelle kindly delivered to our operatives and staff on site. As the industry with the highest suicide rate, I thought it was really important to support not only from a Directors position but also as a Mental Health Champion of our Group. I was left speechless at their life experiences and felt very moved they were able to share this in such a public setting. Even if one of our people out of the 30 that were there sought help from Gary and Michelle, their visit was whole-heartedly worth it. Thank you both for the work you are doing and continue to do in our industry in helping to break the stigma in the construction industry.
DAVE MEE, SENIOR SHE MANAGER, M,LAMBE CONSTRUCTION
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 SCRIPTWRITER
" 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.BOWER PSS CONVOY SECURITY TEAM LEADER AFGHANISTAN 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!
SPRINGHILL 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.”
SARAH MOORE SUTTON COLDFIELD (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
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 AFGHANISTAN
“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.”
SPRINGHILL 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 AND 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.”
LAUREN ORME,CUSTOMER CARE CO-ORDINATOR
We had the pleasure of Gary and Michelle visiting us on site to encourage our site workers to open up on the discussion of mental health. Gary’s story is one that though incredibly heartbreaking and candid in parts - it overall offers an overwhelming amount of hope for anyone who may be struggling. Both Gary and Michelle are so approachable and warm, you really do feel like you could go to them about anything. I cannot recommend them enough and encourage anyone considering sourcing support on mental health in the workplace to give them a shout.
TONY SOMERS BACP COUNSELLOR COVENTRY
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”.
LYDIA EVANS, BUSINESS COORDINATOR FOR KEON HOMES
Gary and Michelle recently visited our construction sites to give a talk to our site managers, on site staff and any other members of the team who wanted to attend. As part of an industry with one of the highest suicide rates I thought it was paramount to attend. The whole way through I was captivated by them both. It was eye opening to hear about their own experiences with mental health as well as the services they offer to others who may need it. There was no judgement in the room and they both felt like very approachable people. I really hope our partnership can grow with Gary and Michelle and we can help to tackle the stigma of mental health in the construction industry, thank you both for all the work you are doing and trying to make that a difference.
GRAHAM STONEMAN CHIEF INSRUCTOR 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.”
CHLOE LLOYD, PEOPLE PARTNER FOR TARA GROUP
At the Tara Group, we want to do all we can to support the mental health and wellbeing of our people. When we initially met Gary and Michelle and Gary told us his story we knew this was something that we wanted him to share with our people in the hope that it would encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health to seek support. Gary and Michelle spoke on our sites – their talks combine hugely impactful life stories with practical tips on how we can all look after our mental health and get support if we need to. Their message that help is out there, and with that help, people can improve their mental health, no matter how impossible that might seem, is something that everyone needs to hear. Thank you to Gary and Michelle for what you do.
JACK GILLIGAN (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,NETWORK FOUR 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.”
DAVE LYNCH,SITE MANAGER,McDERMOTT BUILDING ENGINEER LTD
Many thanks to whoever decided to book up this presentation by Michelle and Gary. The feedback from the lads was all very positive and hopefully it will get us all talking more, which in turn will improve our mental health and well-being. The thoughts from this site are that it was the best work stoppage we have had – it’s a course and topic that everyone can relate too.
MARCUS PARSONS, MANAGER, INCLUSION DRUG AND 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.”
DAVE HEALY PROJECT MANAGER, M LAMBE CONSTRUCTION LTD
Great talk and really struck a chord with the lads on Swadlincote.
JOHN FIELDHOUSE, PROJECT MANAGER M.LAMBE CONSTRUCTION LTD
Very insightful and eye opening talk. Hopefully people who are suffering and afraid to talk to people start to open up. Anyone suffering or need support I would highly recommend these two.
MICHAEL FLEMING CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOE AT LAMBES CONSTRUCTION LTD
Thank you, Gary and Michelle, for your insightful discussions around a very difficult topic. The more we share the more we care.
LIAM KELSALL, M.LAMBE COSTRUCTION LTD
Was a pleasure listening to your story this morning on site, wish you both all the best in the future
CRAIG BRITTLEBANK, PROJECT MANAGER McDERMOTT BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
Just want to give a little feedback on today’s Mental Health Awareness training delivered by Gary and Michelle,
Firstly I’d like to thank both for taking time to come to site today and deliver what I can only describe as a fantastic session!! This session has been more than helpful for all who attended and I believe touched all in one way or another. 5 star!!!!!!
Thanks again Gary and Michelle, all the best.
THOMAS KELLY, CONTRACTS MANAGER M.LAMBE CONSTUCTION LTD
I can’t thank you enough for this morning. I feel like it touched some of the lads including myself.
LUKE 0'BRIEN, CONSTRUCT MANAGER M.LAMBE CONSTRUCTION LTD
Great to have Gary and Michelle in the office this week, not only to share their story but also to raise awareness for people struggling with mental health.
ANDREW FOSTER CONTACTS MANAGER M.LAB
Thank you both for coming in and sharing your life story. Sparked a lot of conversation between all those who attended and looking forward to sharing this with the rest of the teams across the East Midlands.
Personally or for employees in your workplace, I can thoroughly recommend Michelle & Gary
DOOCEY GROUP
Doocey Group would like to say a big thank you to Gary and Michelle who recently delivered vital talks about mental health to all our teams, get in touch with them to keep spreading this message.
SUSAN PASKIN,SHEO SUPPORT COORDINATOR DOOCEY GROUP
It was great to be able to attend such a vital mental health session and to know we have the support of our company.
MARTIN ROCH, DOOCEY GROUP
Had the opportunity today to sit in on a mental health awareness talk with Gary and Michelle. The people who were giving us the talk were telling us about their personal journey, dealing with mental health. I’m not ashamed to say that it brought tears to my eyes and to others at work. Colleagues are losing their lives to this. Do we really know what our friends are going through, doesn’t cost a penny to give someone your time of day to listen to someone who needs a chat, you might just save their lives. So if you are suffering in silence, talk to someone. Don’t be ashamed there is always someone there to help.
M.LAMBE CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
Thank you, Gary and Michelle, we have already had amazing feedback from your insightful and impactful site visits.