Inspirational Talks

Gary & Michelle

Gary :

Gary (Gaz) is an innovative, bespoke speaker who uses his life story and experiences to inspire others to make changes to their own lives, particularly regarding the issue of mental health. He believes that by telling his story – from the very worst moments of his life through to how he turned things around and now has a successful life and career – that this will encourage others to realise that they, too, have the capacity to change, for the better.  

Gary is a versatile speaker, able to connect and engage with both the young and old at their level, in any environment.  He is just as comfortable speaking to children in schools or talking to groups of adults in a business setting as he is presenting at a corporate function. His easy, honest delivery engrosses his audiences from the start and leaves them with no doubt that what they are hearing can be life-changing.  He has also shared his story in blog form and across the radio waves and is in the process of having his life story published in book form.  Gary is a true inspiration, a one-off.  

Gary has a vast knowledge of topics and areas that he is able to base his talks around depending on the needs of the audience and the nature of the audience themselves. He has such a range of experience that he can bring to the table.  For example, he is a:

  • Qualified Counsellor and practitioner in other therapies (see Therapeutic Services tab) 

  • Accredited with the National Counselling Society

  • Provides counselling services to companies and organisations

  • Qualified self-defence instructor and Black Belt with British Free Fighting.

  • Qualified Close-Protection Officer (Bodyguard)

  • Qualified and experienced as a Drug & Alcohol worker

  • Qualified and experienced in social care re care homes for children

  • Amazing mental health advocate

  • Passionate about men’s mental health issues

  • Has experienced personal bereavement relating to the loss of children

  • Has experienced many traumas and difficult times in his own life and has been through extensive therapy to become the success that he is today. 

Michelle :

Michelle is also a motivational speaker who works alongside Gary as a speaker or independently in her own right.  Michelle has her own inspirational journey to share with others.  Her experiences in life, and as a counsellor, give her great insight into people’s needs, particularly within different industries. She can also highlight what mental health issues arrive when living with someone who has been so mentally unwell, as well as the effect on her own mental health because of it, through to the life-changing effects of mental health recovery. Her experience of child loss in 2003 when she and Gary’s twin daughters died shortly after birth means that she can talk openly and truthfully about her journey through such difficult times.  In 2017, she also had to endure the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer.  Having overcome such hurdles and carved a successful career as a teacher and now as a qualified counsellor, she will inspire and motivate all who hear her and encourage others to see life ahead with positive eyes.

·        Qualified Teacher with almost a quarter of a century experience

·        Experienced Deputy Head, Senior Leader, Moderator

·        Qualified Counsellor - accredited with the National Counselling Society to work with Adults, Children & Young People

Provides counselling services to schools, companies, businesses and charities.

·        Delivers training on Attachment Disorder & Trauma for staff at children’s care home providers

·        Reiki Practitioner

·        Passionate about getting her story to audiences to inspire and motivate.