Dr Helen Garr, AKA the Wellbeing GP, is an experienced GP, expert and leader in the field of mental health and wellbeing. Helen is known for her energetic and interactive talks that leave her audience with practical takeaway tools to improve their health and wellbeing. She expertly delivers the science, evidence and solutions behind improving our mental health and wellbeing both at home and at work in a way that is fun, relatable and accessible to staff of all levels. Helen is currently Medical Director Designate of NHS Practitioner Health – the largest health care professional mental health treatment service of its kind in the world, former Public Health England Clinical Champion for physical activity and has a background in psychology and coaching. 

TOP TIPS

Life throws curveballs. No one is getting through it without setbacks, whether it’s a failed exam, the end of a relationship, a mistake at work, or a serious health diagnosis. Over years of working in mental health and well-being, I’ve learned—and seen—that resilience is not something you’re born with. It’s something you build. Think of it like PPE for the mind: tools you can develop to protect yourself mentally and emotionally when life gets tough.

Here are my top five tips, backed by science and experience, for bouncing forward—not just back—when things go wrong.

1. Sh*t will happen

Life isn’t fair. That’s not just a flippant phrase— everyday in my practice I witness bad things happening to good people. What always surprises me is our ability to cope when things go wrong. One of the biggest predictors of emotional strength is accepting reality as it is, rather than getting stuck in “why me?” mode. Research by psychologist George Bonanno shows that people who adapt quickly to change and focus on what they can control are more likely to thrive, even after trauma.

Mental PPE Tip: Ditch the “It’s not fair” narrative and focus on preparing your mind and habits to withstand inevitable storms.

2.  Grow through what you go through

After a setback, most people return to their previous level of functioning. Some don’t fully recover. But others go on to grow—becoming stronger, more purposeful, and more connected. This is known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), a concept supported by decades of research. People who grow after adversity often report:

• A renewed appreciation of life

• Deeper relationships

• New goals and purpose

• Greater inner strength

Psychologists Tedeschi and Calhoun found that this growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when we reflect, find meaning, and act in line with newly clarified values.

Mental PPE Tip: We know that writing down our thoughts, journalling, can really help with growing from adversity. 

3.  Learn to fail—fast and forward

Failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a key part of it. In tech start-ups, there’s a popular phrase: “Fail fast, fail forward.” Mistakes aren’t shameful—they’re expected. Even Apple didn’t wait for the perfect iPhone before releasing it—they iterated, learned, improved.

We can apply the same mindset to life. Studies show that when people view failure as feedback—not final—they experience less anxiety and more motivation (Kross et al., 2014).

Mental PPE Tip: After a setback, however small or large,  ask: “What’s the lesson here?” Then move forward, better equipped.

4.  Name it to tame it

There’s power in putting feelings into words and getting into the habit of labelling how we are feeling.

Neuroscientific research (Lieberman et al., 2007) shows that simply naming your emotions—like “I feel anxious” or “I feel angry”—reduces activity in the brain’s fear centre and increases activity in the logical centre. In short, naming helps tame the emotional chaos.

Mental PPE Tip: Don’t bottle it— get into the habit of labelling it. Say it out loud, write it down, or share it with someone you trust.

5.  Don’t worry twice

Worrying in advance doesn’t prevent problems—it just drains your energy. One of the most useful things I tell patients is this: Don’t worry until you know you need to. Anticipatory anxiety—worrying about something that might happen—can be more damaging than the event itself. Research (Borkovec et al., 2004) shows that chronic worriers suffer more distress, even when their fears never materialise. And if the problem does arise? You’ve exhausted yourself before you’ve even begun to deal with it.

Mental PPE Tip: Ask yourself: “Do I have 100% clear evidence this will happen?” If not, let it go—for now. Don’t worry twice. 

Written by Dr Helen Garr

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Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.  

Lee Spencer BEM, grew up in very difficult circumstances in a home dominated by alcoholism and violence and despite being told that he wasn’t what they were looking for, joined the Royal Marine Commandos in 1992. He completed operational tours of Northern Ireland and Iraq where he led a section in the first wave on the assault of the Al Faw peninsula. Lee then served as a troop Sergeant before qualifying for special duties and subsequently undertook 3 tours of Afghanistan working in an undercover and covert role within the Human Intelligence sphere.

In January 2014 whilst helping motorists who had crashed into a motorway central reservation, Lee lost his right leg below the knee having been hit by debris from a further crash. Conscious throughout, Lee was able to utilise his military training to save his own life by instructing a passer-by to apply a tourniquet. Lee was awarded the High Chief Constables award for his selfless actions on the night.

In 2015 as a crew member of Row2Recovery’s all amputee crew of four, Lee rowed across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua and into the Guinness world record books, as the first physically disabled crew of four to row any ocean.

In January 2019, Lee set off from Portimão, Portugal to attempt rowing solo and unsupported from mainland Europe to mainland South America. 60 days, 16 hours and 6 minutes later, he rowed into Cayenne, French Guiana not only becoming the first physically disabled person to do so and completing the longest solo row of any disabled person, he beat the able bodied record by an astonishing 36 days: A further 3 Guinness World Records. In December 2019 Lee was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charity having raised over a quarter of a million pounds.

A natural and engaging speaker, Lee’s incredible personal story of courage, determination leadership and overcoming adversity has captivated a range of audiences: From business conferences to after dinner gala events, from festivals to elite and national sports teams including the England senior men’s team in their pre 2018 World Cup training camp.

In everyday life we are constantly making decisions, some are instantaneous and made in the limbic system, an older part of the brain from early in human evolution where we make subconscious decisions. Other decisions are made in the prefrontal cortex, a more evolved part of the brain where we make conscious decisions.

Both systems work in unison and have advantages and disadvantages. By understanding principles of decision making and by then asking yourself certain questions, you can ensure you can make an informed, considered and ultimately better decisions.

TOP TIPS

1. Our Subconscious

Our subconscious contains a vast library of past experiences that helps us understand the world. It influences our decision-making both at subconscious and conscious levels.

2. Our Decisions

In everyday life we are constantly making decisions, some are instantaneous and made in the subconscious. Others are made conscious mind.

3. Our Subconscious and Conscious Mind

Both the subconscious and conscious mind usually work in harmony and have advantages and disadvantages.

4. Condor Moment

By taking a ‘Condor Moment’, we can recognise whether it is the conscious or subconscious mind making or informing a decision.

5. Ask Yourself

Ask yourself: “What do I need to do?” “What are my limitations?” “What resources do I have?” And “Do I have an emotional attachment to the decision?”

6. Communicating a Decision

Communicating a decision is as important as coming to the right decision. To do this ask yourself “What actions do I want to initiate?”

Written By Lee Spencer BEM

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If you want to hear more from Lee Spencer he will be speaking at our next event The SHE Show North East, Tuesday 25th March 2025, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Liz McConaghy was the longest serving female crewman on the Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet spanning a 17-year career flying on the aircraft. Her career saw her amass 2 deployments to Iraq and 10 deployments to Helmand Afghanistan in support of Operation Herrick which gave her an insightful and very personal perspective on war. Upon leaving the RAF in 2019 Liz slowly became unravelled after a series of traumatic events that compounded her PTSD. This led to her trying to end her life in Aug 2020. She survived and went into the Veterans Mental Health care system to help her deal with her demons and finally lay the images she had seen on the battlefield to rest. During this time, she began her autobiography ‘Chinook Crew Chick’. Liz’s story offers hope to those who have also found themselves in the darkest of places, who are looking for the tools within themselves to begin to rebuild a pathway to a new life. She is now an ambassador for mental health and specifically PTSD with Veterans. Liz stands as an example that PTSD does not have to be your identity, it can simply be a chapter of your life that can be learned from and most importantly moved on from.

Top Tips on dealing with Mental Health

1. Give your mental health a number.

Its so much easier to say a number e.g. I’m a 3/10 today than it is to say you are struggling. This is great for 2 reasons…. firstly, it gives others an indication if you’re not quite on top of things mentally, without needing to explain why, but it also allows you to keep tabs on your own mental health much better. If I find I’ve been saying anything less than 5 for a few days, I know it’s time to do something about it.

2. Ask twice.

So many times, if we are struggling and someone asks how we are we simply reply with ‘I’m fine’ or ‘living the dream’ as is a favourite. Straight away we then try to get the spotlight of us by shifting the focus of conversation. When I was struggling with my mental health, the odd person who asked twice if I was ‘really ok?’ was enough to break the eggshell and finally I let my emotions and feeling come out.

3. ‘Do what is good for you, not what makes you feel good’.

My PTSD and depression led me to isolate a lot and self-sabotage through the consumption of sugar. I went from being an absolute gym Queen to existing on sugar to lift my mood and barely mustering a walk in the fresh air. This saying changed my life. Now on those days where I begin to fall into that hole, I repeat it to myself and instead of doing something that will bring short term pleasure, such as a sugar hit, I chose something that will bring long term benefits.

4. ‘It’s just a thought’.

When my thoughts take over, they can lead to some very ‘toxic behaviours’…such as self-sabotage as I mentioned above. I’ve now learnt by repeating this sentence over and over to uncouple the thought from a resultant action. This can help with so many negative thoughts, that have the potential to ruin our day, make us nervous, anxious, and paranoid when we don’t need to be. It’s simply our brain playing tricks on us!

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If you want to hear more from Liz McConaghy, she will be speaking at our next event The SHE Show South, Tuesday 11th July 2023, DoubleTree by Hilton, MK Dons Stadium, Milton Keynes

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Liz McConaghy, Chinook Crew Chick

Liz McConaghy was the longest serving female crewman on the Royal Air Force Chinook Fleet spanning a 17 year career flying on the aircraft.

She was the youngest aircrew to deploy to Iraq aged just 21 and also the only female crewman on the Chinook wing for 4 years. Her career saw her amass 2 deployments to Iraq and 10 deployments to Helmand, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Herrick. Liz spent the majority of this time crewing the flying ambulance or MERT as it was known, witnessing trauma on a daily basis. Liz left the RAF in 2019 following a neck injury that no longer allowed her to fly on her beloved Chinook.

During 2020, Liz’s PTSD finally caught up with her resulting in an attempt to take her own life. She survived and went into the PTSD mental health system to put her demons to bed and re find her purpose in life. She found huge release in writing poems about her time in Helmand and eventually turned her hand to writing an autobiography. Her book ‘Chinook Crew Chick’ was released in Sept 2022 and became a bestseller within three weeks.

There are many parallels that can be drawn across from Liz’s experiences into the corporate world, such as mission creep and normalizing extended working hours until burnout. Liz also wishes to highlight the internal pressures we put on ourselves when we are a ‘minority’ person within a group focused on a common goal- the ‘not wanting to be a burden’ element that can lead to huge mental stress.

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Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.  

1. Choices – Ripples in the pond

Some say destiny is no matter of choices, others say if it’s to be, it’s up to me! All I know is six years ago I made some choices that had a major effect on myself and my family for ever. I threw a stone into the pond, and it didn’t just create a ripple but a Tsunami. My choices effected family, friends, colleagues, and complete strangers. Sometimes we can’t change what happens to us in life but the thing we can change is how we respond to it and that is our choice, I had to choose how I wanted to respond to what had happened and I dug deep inside and wanted to turn a horrific accident into a positive.

2. Chances – rolling the dice

Why did I roll the dice? Why did I have the mindset to just get the job done? Perhaps to make money, or to be the best gang in the yard. Taking chances in life can help us expand the parameters of our experiences and help us reach the goals we set out to achieve but we rarely think about what if I take a chance that is unsafe and what would the consequences be. If you are going to take risks, make sure they are smart risks develop a system of assessing smart risks don’t always look at the upside take a couple of seconds to step back and just think …. Is it worth it?

3. Time Vs Risk – 168 drive

We all operate to a 168 drive, or they say humans are 168 machines, that’s how many hours there are in a week and sometimes we do some crazy things to save a bit of time, whether it’s carrying all your shopping into the house with a bag hanging off every finger or strimming in the summertime with flip flops on. Nobody ever comes up to you and says “hey, there is a longer way of doing that!” Of course, they don’t, it’s always a quicker way, but rarely do we whey up the risk we take to save that bit of time, yes, we can achieve greater business efficiency but sometimes the balance is not equal.

4. Change – Life is short live it to the fullest  

We have always lived in a world of change, but we recognise we are now in a world with an unprecedented speed of change. Desires can be made so quickly for whatever reason but take your time to always think critically to make informed judgments, to ensure desires are always made so far as in reasonably practicable. Pioneering humour researcher Rod A Martin, who has studied the effects of different styles of humour has found that witty banter or affiliative humour can lighten the mood and improve social interaction.

5. Consequences – The night of the dark side

Everyone around me and myself have had to learn to live the results and the impact of the accident that night, some stuff that couldn’t be avoided some stuff that could either way it’s happened. I never knew in a million years that it would be my family who took the biggest impact that night especially my wife, they are the ones who are left behind to pick up the pieces. I live my life now on the philosophy that if you get knocked down seven times you get up eight and you keep moving forward life doesn’t stop or go backwards, everyone has the ability to achieve whatever they want in life you just have to talk to yourself in a positive way, self-esteem is the bedrock to human performance.

Written by Justin Manley

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If you want to hear more from Justin Manley, he will be speaking at our next event The SHE Show North East, Tuesday 28th March 2023, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

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Justin Manley

Up until a few years ago Justin was a highly skilled pipe technician and a team leader within the utilities industry. On the 28th October 2015 the decision to attend to a burst water main with a colleague proved to be one of life or death…

Whilst repairing a burst water main a miscommunication resulted in the mains water being switched on before the job had been completed and the pressure of the water forcing a torque wrench into his face at around 80mph.. Justin was knocked unconscious and was at the bottom of a hole which was rapidly filling with water; fortunately he was wearing a hi-vis vest which meant he could be seen under water, especially as a street light was directly above the hole. .Whilst still unconscious, his colleague got into the hole and dragged him out, by chance a local resident who worked for St Johns ambulance was able to stabilise him till help could arrive.

After undergoing numerous operations in a specialist hospital, Justin lost all vision in his right eye. But more devastating news was to follow when the Surgeon informed him that due to the severity of his head injury, it would be inevitable that he would get an infection and was likely to live for no more than 4 years. Justin chose to undergo an operation that carried a 50% risk of fatality.

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Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.  

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning.

I read this book a few years after surviving my traumatic brain injury, when I struggled with the loss of my career, suffered from depression, and lived with a sense of hopelessness. Frankl’s words transformed my way of thinking about my life changing injury. He helped me to live with my brain disability, learn to grow and finally to flourish. The key determiner of resilience is our ability to minimise negative thoughts.

“What matters in resilience is how we deal with adversity – and adversity normally leads to negative emotions” Dr Karen Reivich, The Resilience Factor: 7 keys to finding your inner strength and overcoming life’s hurdles.

Here are a few of my top, and fundamental tips, for building resilience through minimising negative thoughts. I have used and continue to use these in my life.

1. Adversity, in whatever form, often leads to negative emotions.

I call these negative thoughts your withering whispers as they sit on your shoulder quietly, whispering negativity in your mind. How we deal with this negativity matters. Be aware of the repeating negative thoughts where you use words such as always, everyone, my, me and I.

Thoughts and words that sound permanent, pervasive, and personal are the most dangerous. “This is never-ending” “Why does it always happen to me” “Nobody likes me in work” “I am useless”

Be aware of the ‘tyranny of the should’ – “I should be grateful” “I should do more” “I should eat better” The ‘should’ can easily trigger guilt and lead to a downward spiral of negativity.

Listen to your withering whispers and when you catch one, challenge it, and correct it. This can be achieved through decreasing, distracting or disputing them.

2. Decrease your withering whisper

Decrease your withering whispers through deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation techniques and/or the centuries old technique of meditation. I’ve used all of these and still do when needed.

3. Distract your withering whisper

Distract yourself from your withering whisper by giving the voice a name. I have a tendency to compare myself against my non injured peer group who appear successful on places like LinkedIn, or I ruminate about what could have been if I had not been brain damaged. I’ve given this voice the name ‘Dave’ so whenever I catch myself feeling jealous of others or self-pity about my situation then I tell ‘Dave’ to f*** off. I may have to say it a few times as he can be a persistent whisperer, but he always goes.

4. Dispute your withering whisper

Dispute your withering whisper through writing. Poetry, for example, is a great tool for introspection. I have written poems about my emotions and experiences several times, which helped me unravel and understand my whispers. Alternatively, you can dispute your whispers cognitively, through logic. Identify a withering whisper, write it down and then dispute it. Where is the evidence for this thought, where is the evidence that contradicts or challenges this thought, is there an alternative explanation? Write them down and dispute them.

5. Humans evolved with a negativity bias, so it is impossible to eradicate negative thoughts.

We build resilience through minimising this negativity. The danger is that we don’t often notice this accumulation of withering whispers.

Every one of us is capable of building resilience and there are numerous benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety, being better able to deal with change and manage disappointment, and a lower mortality rate and increased physical health.

As Frankl said, choose your attitude. Catch your withering whispers, decrease them, distract yourself from them and dispute them. Build your resilience for a better life.

Written by Stewart Hill

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If you want to hear more from Stewart Hill he will be speaking at our next event The SHE Show North East, 26th April 2022, St James’ Park, Newcastle United Football Club.

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Stewart Hill

Stewart is living proof of the brain’s ability to grow and of a person to flourish. Stewart faced many testing physical environments as a British Army officer, particularly in warfighting operations, all of which challenged his mindset and allowed him to become stronger and resilient. His life changed the moment shrapnel exploded into his brain, whilst on operations in Afghanistan in 2009. Medically discharged from the Army in 2012 after 3 years of rehabilitation it was an end to his 18 years of service, a life he loved. Nothing prepared him for dealing with the impact of his traumatic brain injury.

Stewart’s motivation and desire to succeed did not change but he had to significantly reduce his ambitions because his cognitive difficulties limited the type of work he could do and restricted his ability to hold down full time employment.

Stewart thought he was mentally tough but this broke when he could not deal with his brain impairments and the associated cognitive, behavioural and psychological repercussions.  He has spent the past decade on a journey of self discovery and found a joy for living through other means; art, theatre work, poetry, singing and participating in charitable causes. He has also been involved in several charity events, including completing the 1000-mile Walk of Britain expedition with three other British and two American wounded veterans.

When he isn’t transporting audiences to Helmand on the speaking circuit, Stewart also participates in the arts – he has performed in a West End play entitled the The Two Worlds of Charlie F and, despite not drawing anything since school, has also discovered a passion for art as a way to create positive thoughts. He even donates paintings to families of the fallen.

Stewart has learned a fundamental truth from his rehabilitation and recovery; that a person should live with a commitment to personal growth and understanding this enables a person to flourish and to achieve optimal functioning, development and performance in life.

1. The brain is our most powerful tool and understanding how the brain works allows a person to make a positive and productive step change in everything they do.
2. The power of the mind can overcome any adversity; the quality of our thinking determines the quality of our lives.
3. Well-being is critical to self development, happiness, health and productivity.
4. Personal growth and achieving peak performance comes from inner strength and mental toughness.
5. A life with purpose, positive emotions, engagement and kindness can give unlimited energy to one’s mind and soul.

Stewart speaks from the heart in an honest, humble and engaging inspirational story and shows how he has transformed suffering into new opportunities, fresh perspectives on mental health and a fascination with how we use our minds.

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Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.  

The SHE Show Thrash Out: Changing Lives… Overcoming Adversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Wednesday 13th October 2021, 10:00am – 11:00am

The SHE Show Thrash Out: Overcoming Adversity and Resilience… Flip Your Emotion

Thursday 15th July 2021, 10:00am – 11:00am

As The SHE Show North East 2018 opened, everyone’s attention focused on the extremely sad story of the loss of Michael Adamson, a 26-year-old worker who died as a result of an electrical incident at work. Michael’s sister, Louise Taggart, bravely recounted the circumstances around Michael’s death. Louise described the errors that were made and reminded us all that “Managers and supervisors must take active steps to ensure their workers’ safety.” We must all do more to keep workers safe.

Louise Taggart spent 13 years working as an employment lawyer for a top Scottish firm.  However a personal tragedy led to her attentions becoming focused on the field of health and safety.  Her brother Michael died in an electrical incident which could and should have been prevented.  There are lessons to be learned from his death which apply across many different industries and trades.  Louise now tells Michael’s story in workplaces across many sectors and on major projects, in addition to working with the health and safety charity Scottish Hazards, seeking long-term funding for a health and safety advice, training and support service for workers.  Her primary aim in all she does is to stop anyone else from losing their life or their loved one in a preventable workplace incident.

To mark what should have been the year leading up to Michaels 40th Birthday, Louise has released two short videos, which she has made publicly available, and has asked that anyone who wishes to use them in their own workplace or training provisions make a kind donation to the Scottish Hazards Charity to aid the incredible preventative work they do and are so close to her heart. Click here to Donate

Watch the incredibly emotional videos below, and read in her own words, why Louise has released these short videos.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That was the question my 3-year-old posed to me just the other week. At school the answer was PE Teacher. I ended up becoming an employment lawyer. It’s certainly never the case that I wanted to become a workplace health and safety guest speaker when I grew up. It surely wouldn’t be anyone’s aim. Because becoming such a speaker invariably results from a personal story borne of tragedy.

Why then did I become a workplace health and safety guest speaker?

The preventable death of my wee brother when he was aged just 26 is the personal tragedy which now sees me in this role.  Ahead of the first time I spoke in detail about what happened to Michael, the email which went to attendees said “The H&S Dept are bringing Louise Taggart into the yard to do a (one-off) short presentation in the manner of Jason Anker and Ken Woodward. Her (electrician) brother was killed in a shop-fitting accident caused by a failure in tag-out procedure.”  

It turned out to be far from a one-off.   And given that I often say to people when I speak that: “true accidents do sometimes happen, but in the vast majority of cases that is not so”, isn’t it ironic that telling Michael’s Story was never intended to turn into my “job”, but that it’s instead done so completely by accident rather than design. Because, after I delivered that first session, the impact was such that I’ve been invited to tell his story time and again by many different employers and conference organisers. I put “job” in inverted commas because I see it as so much more than that. It’s been levelled at me that I’m on a mission.  Absolutely.  I’m on a mission to ensure that lessons are learned from my wee brother’s death so that others are able to return home safe and sound to their loved ones at the end of each and every working day or night.  In doing so, I aim to ensure a lasting and meaningful legacy is left for my brother here on this earth.

But, I am one woman.  So, I want to ask if you can help me over the next year, in the lead up to what should have been his 40th birthday on 18th March 2019. Can I ask you to do these 3 things to help Michael’s Story be a positive force for good:

1. Watch the two short health and safety videos in this blog, then consider if you can use them to bring about positive change in your own workplaces and/or training courses;
2. If you can use the videos, then consider making a donation to Scottish Hazards, a health and safety charity committed to improving workplace health and safety; and
3. Mark International Workers’ Memorial Day annually, in turn, furthering the advice work of the support group Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK) when doing so.

I’ve now been telling Michael’s Story for more than 5 years.  I’ve always resisted committing it to film.  There have been many reasons for that.  I wanted to have control over where Michael’s Story was used.  I also didn’t think it could have the power of telling it in person. Then I was approached by Siemens to speak at their Leadership Forum towards the end of 2017. I couldn’t do it as I was already booked for another piece of work and the request was made to do a short filmed piece instead.  I was apprehensive. But the brother and sister team of Simon and Rachel at The Mobile Studio Company, more than ably assisted by their friend and colleague Pete, have created these videos which makes me laugh, cry and smile every time I watch them.

A son, brother and fiancé left home one morning and did not return.  Because of health and safety failings, he did not get the opportunity to become an uncle, a husband or a dad.  So I ask you to use these videos to bring about positive change in your organisation.  Use them to:

• have leaders reflect on their own effectiveness;
• reinforce for people why safe systems of work are in place and why they need to be followed;
• reinvigorate for supervisors and line managers the role they must play in enabling and driving safe behaviours; and
• give people the courage to speak up when they see something unsafe.

If you do use the videos, I’m going to ask you to consider making a donation to Scottish Hazards.  Click here to donate

Why am I asking you to support workplace health and safety charity Scottish Hazards?

I want to prevent anyone else from having to lose their life or their loved one in a work-related incident that could and should have been prevented.  One way I can work towards this is by getting out and telling Michael’s Story.  But, I also want to aid the preventative and support work of others. Were it not for me becoming involved in Scottish Hazards way back in 2006, I would likely still be an employment lawyer. But through joining what was at the time a campaign network, I met Ian Tasker. He was an Assistant Secretary at the Scottish Trades Union Congress back then, with responsibility for health and safety.  He was the one who threw my hat in the ring for that “one-off” speaking slot. And it was a request from Scottish Hazards to take on a project which sealed the decision to hand in my notice at the law firm and embark on an altogether different career path.

The project was one which required Scottish Hazards to be set up as a registered charity, with a view to then opening a Scottish Hazards Centre, a place providing occupational health and safety advice, support and training to workers, plugging a gap that existed. The primary aim of the Centre is prevention: to provide advice and support before someone suffers a life-changing or life-ending illness or injury. I have relished the role of project worker but, as of this month, I will move onto the Board of Trustees.  In this position I’ll continue the work of profile raising and fundraising, with a view to setting Scottish Hazards on a secure long-term footing.

So, I ask you to make a donation should you use the video.  Indeed, I ask you to make a donation even if you don’t use the video.  Because, as a way of marking the year leading up to what should have been Michael’s 40th, I aim to raise at least enough money to ensure Scottish Hazards can provide 40 days of preventative advice to workers.  This will involve raising £4800. There is coincidental poignancy in that figure.  Because Michael died on the 4th day of the 8th month.

Finally, I am asking you to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) on 28 April.  And to do that not only this year, but to commit to doing it annually. IWMD is a day when we remember the dead and reinforce our commitment to fight for the living.  Ceremonies and seminars are held across the world to mark the day, and I urge you to think about what you could do in your workplace this year.

At the very least, order commemorative ribbons produced by the Hazards Campaign.  At £33 for 100, it is a small investment, but the money raised through sale of these ribbons goes to support the work of FACK, work which is invaluable to families who have lost a loved one. Just as with my connection to Scottish Hazards, had I not become a FACKer, I would not now have the strength to tell Michael’s story. The tragedy is that far too many families each year have to be helped by FACK and the inspirational Hilda Palmer.  Typical of the sentiments of those who have received Hilda’s support is this, from the mum of Ben Pallier-Singleton:
“We would also like to thank Families Against Corporate Killers for their help and support throughout this painful process. But for FACK’s Hilda Palmer and her huge and unwavering love and support I feel I truly might have been completely crushed.”

So, using Michael’s 40th as a target, it would be great to know that as a result of reading about my wee brother’s story, we could get at least 40 more organisations signed up to mark IWMD in the year ahead as that would touch a great many lives.

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*Please note, the views expressed by the original article author are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of Washingtondowling Associates Ltd or The SHE Show and therefore we take no responsibility for the content or accuracy of this post.