Impact Safety and mental health Speaker

I travel the UK sharing my story of an accident at work. I talk about how and why the accident happened, how this had a huge effect on my mental health and that of my family and colleagues. 

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I also coach people who are struggling with their own mental well-being.

This is something I am passionate about after struggling myself for many years.

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Below are some testimonials from some of the people I have worked with.

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Firstly in my experience it is rare that someone who has experienced the type of incident that Steve did survives so it is fantastic to be able to listen, relate and ask Steve questions about what happened.

Steve’s experience touches many aspects of utility engineering and is a perfect example of the risks associated with working with pressure systems.

Steve tells his story in a simple down to earth manner that everyone can understand and relate to and his open style really lets you experience what happened not only from an engineering perspective but also the  personal impact on Steve’s mental and physical wellbeing after the event,

It’s a story that needs to be heard and shared to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future. And Steve tells it very well.

Craig Murdoch, Skanska

I approached Steve initially to have a chat about giving a short safety presentation at my team day. I quickly realised that Steve's story would help us understand not just the physical impact, but also the mental wellbeing challenges that an injury or incident can trigger. Steve gave an incredibly honest presentation that truly reflected the pain and trauma that sometimes can't be seen, that lasts way beyond the physical healing of wounds. I'd recommend Steve to anyone looking for a down to earth no nonsense insight into the importance of protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of their colleagues and team. 


UK Property Director

Adam Cook, National Express

I gotta thank Steve Kirby for helping me through a very tough time in my life. I used to be one of the most confident fellas you could meet and nothing fazed me but I suddenly started getting panic attacks and suffered really bad with anxiety. so bad to the point I only felt safe at home or at work I was even scared going shopping. I left a trolley full in a supermarket because I couldn't find my favourite peas... sounds pathetic to some but I was genuinely scared of the place. i laugh about that now but after a 3 hour session with Steve (was only supposed to be an hour but once I opened up to  him I couldn't shut up. sorry Steve lol ) he gave me some pointers and  excercises to help with the panicking which consequently started to calm the anxiety... I still have my moments but thanks to Steve I only have them every couple of months and getting more scarce they used to be every day or two... thanks again steve.. highly recommended .... thanks again buddy

Chris

I have had anxiety issues for lots of years but did not want to tell people because I thought I would come across weak. Then one day I opened up to Steve. I told him about my anxiety and how even though I may of been doing the same job for years I would still panic when asked to do a job. I would feel that horrible feeling in my stomach, Shortness of breathes, it would actually get to the point where it was difficult to do the job I should  be able to do with my eyes closed. When Steve said he could help, I struggled to believe  anyone could. But Steve explained everything about anxiety.  He made me understand why these things was happening. He did some hypnosis taught  me some techniques when faced with moments that my anxiety kicked in and I can honestly say the next day at work I practiced what he said and it was unbelievable, No sweating ,No short breathes , No panic. Thanks mate I'm glad I opened up to you.

Tony

Positive: Communication, Professionalism, QualityI recently reached out to Steve while I was experiencing anxiety and negative thinking which first began around 12yrs ago after having a nervous breakdown. After taking antidepressants these feelings went away and rarely came back. However, during the last 4 months, I began experiencing these feelings again. During my first meeting with Steve, he spoke about his own experiences which made me feel comfortable speaking to him knowing he had similar thoughts and feelings. It was also interesting to find out that, through his own research and practise, led him to living a positive and happy life himself. Steve is full of energy, very approachable and easy to get on with. I was truly confident at this stage that his methods and techniques were going to support me. Steve explained how the human body works and how to create a more positive and happier life for myself. Through using the tools Steve gave me, self-hypnosis, meditation and how to switch your thinking patterns, I am dealing with the attacks better and becoming stronger and confident in my physical, emotional and mental state. In between sessions Steve is adamant that you get in touch with him if you are going through a difficult time. During my first and second session I woke up one morning experiencing double vision, not good when you suffer with health anxiety. I was glad to have Steve to call for support. He calmed me down and gave me reassurance. Steve doesn`t only wait for you to contact him, he will send you a message or call you to give you full support. Steve has really turned my life around and has sent me on a journey to discover and learn more about the human body and connecting with the universe. I now have the belief and confidence in myself along with knowledge to actually come off the antidepressants.
Thanks Steve - SK Life Coach
Danny

Danny Louth

I made contact with Steve after seeing a post made by a mutual connection on LinkedIn. When I went on to read his story, what he had been through and how he now uses that experience to help others I knew immediately he was exactly what I needed. Having battled anxiety, negative thinking and low self esteem as well as yo-yo dieting I have had counselling in the past but for me counselling was not the answer. Ever since I have never found anything that works in the long term. From the first contact with Steve he made me feel at ease, he made me realise I was not alone and that I was in control of my thoughts and feelings, no one else. 4 months in I have lost 21lbs, I have not dieted I have listened to Steve’s advice and made conscious changes to what I eat and how I exercise, totally changing my relationship with food. I have done a lot of reading about the subconscious mind, about negative thinking and about thinking positively all at Steve’s recommendation and slowly but surely I have moved forward. I do have slip ups but Steve is always at the end of the phone or a message to help get me back on the right path, with no judgement. Steve is open and honest and often tells me the truth even when I don’t want to hear it. He doesn’t wrap things up in cotton wool and tell me everything will be ok. He says it as it is, even when I didn’t want to hear it. I have realised that until I was honest with myself nothing would change. I cannot speak highly enough of Steve and would recommend him to anyone of any age. The way he has taught me has meant I can also better support other people both personally and professionally. Without his support I would still be going round in circles getting nowhere. I’m not at the end of this journey yet but I know I am a lot closer and I thank Steve for that and I know he will be with me every step of the way until I have reached my destination. Thank you Steve.

Marie Garner

Steven was very engaging and the operatives on site were fully engrossed with his talk. Talking openly about his own struggles with his mental health really resonated with the teams with some of them making contact and thanking Steven for helping them open up about their own issues. We are now in a position to help those individuals seek the attention they require which is great.
Steven is passionate about his work and this comes across in his talk which is open and honest.

Mark Mersh ISG PLC

Highly recommend Steve and his story to any organisation that is looking to promote behavioural safety and are looking to positively change some of the mindsets of people that may use the term “it’ll be alright’ too often whilst working around significant hazards. A gripping session and well worth the time that we took out of the working day to receive Steve’s story.
A pleasure to meet and work with Steve who is so relatable to the teams in our industry.

Gavin Greenfield

HSEQ Manager at Public Sewer Services

Steve spoke at our Supervisor’s Community of Practice recently. He told a very personal account of his accident, which connected with the audience in a very powerful way. The lessons learned regarding the effect on him and his family provides an invaluable catalyst, to get people thinking differently about speaking up. Thank You for your candid delivery.
Hugely beneficial to everyone.
Regards
Rich

Richard Newson

Lead HSE Manager at key MOD

Steven brings insight and relatable experience when delivering his message. A fantastic advocate for operative engagement and continuous improvement in the well being and approach to health and safety within our industry. I look forward to working with Steven again in the near future.

Gareth Sweet

CEO at Sweet Projects

Steven delivered an excellent presentation to 229 individuals over two sittings. His story is powerful for all trades personnel and management and one which is highly recommended to others. It is simply incredible that he is still with us!
His open and honest account also provides an insight into the affect on his own mental health and the struggles other members of his team fight to this day, as well as demonstrating the ripple effect on their wider families.
Thank you Steven.
It was great to see individuals approaching you afterwards to discuss their own issues.
Excellent day!

Ian Dovey

HSQE Director

Steve came to the CoolPlanet Group and shared his unbelievable story with our team. His selfless actions on the day of his accident, his complete resilience and phenomenal mental strength, to not only overcome his accident scars both externally and internally, but to be able to share his story and become such an inspirational speaker is truly amazing.
Steve had everyone truly engaged, some in tears! but all reconsidering how they look at safety, why everyone needs to step up, not just for themselves but for their teams too. I know my outlook and perception of mental health has changed as has that of my team and we are so grateful to Steve for supporting, inspiring & developing our health and safety culture. Thank you!

Loretta Greene

Operations & EHSQ Advisor at Cool Planet

I would highly recommend Steven as a mental health and well being speaker. He shares a traumatic but interesting story which engages the workforce. He shares the lessons learnt and control measures that could have prevented his accident which will help stop an accident of this type happening again. We looking forward to welcoming Steven back to support us on our health and safety culture module at site level.