Les Simpson Sales Director les @ discountbuildingsupplies. co. uk
My approach centres on fostering psychologically safe environments where employees feel seen, heard, supported without judgement and where individuals know how— and where— to access help. I offer Employee Assistance Programmes, delivering confidential counselling services alongside tailored wellbeing solutions. Together, these initiatives help organisations thrive.
You were recognised as a Mental Health Role Model at the Inside Out Leader Awards. What did that acknowledgement mean to you? Being named a Mental Health Role Model was deeply meaningful. During the pandemic, I delivered free online mental health training to support our communities, and the recognition affirmed my real commitment to advocacy and ethical practice.
It strengthened my resolve to continue championing psychological safety, reducing stigma, and ensuring that support is accessible and available to everyone.
Your practice is rooted in trauma-informed, culturally aware, and neurodiversity-sensitive approaches. How do these principles shape trust and connection? These principles form the foundation of my work every individual brings a unique history, identity and set of experiences. I tailor my approach, accordingly, creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and genuinely heard.
Trust is built when people feel understood— particularly those who may have felt marginalised in previous support settings.
What can AMD offer to organisations? As a workplace wellbeing consultant, I begin every partnership with a complimentary discovery call— an opportunity to understand the unique challenges organisations face in supporting their people.
From mental health first aid to suicide first aid training, I provide essential education that equips teams with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to mental health concerns and crises in the workplace. These conversations are no longer optional; they are fundamental to building resilient, responsible organisations. Improving staff retention, reducing long-term absence, enhancing productivity, and ultimately to a healthier financial bottom line.
Tennant and Siobhan Finneran. I’ m now working as a wellbeing consultant for organisations, delivering mental health training, support with neurodiversity, providing one-to-one counselling. The recent Brookside reunion was brilliant it brought back so many amazing memories which has now propelled me into auditioning for television and theatre again, I will be working on a film starting in the spring, this is a creative thread that will always be part of me!
You’ ve recently started working with DBS( Discount Building Supplies) as the male suicide rate in the construction industry is one of the highest in the U. K. Tell us about this... I will be delivering Mental Health First Aid training alongside the development of a comprehensive wellbeing strategy for Discount Building Supplies, a newly established builders’ merchant serving the North West. Already earning a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing, the company is positioning itself as a forwardthinking leader within the industry. This initiative will further strengthen its dedication to creating a supportive, resilient, and high-performing workplace culture.
In 2021, 507 construction workers in the UK took their own lives, making it one of the highest-risk industries.“ Just Deal With It” Culture: A dominant, masculine environment often inhibits workers from speaking about mental health issues. Risk: Male construction workers are 4 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the male national average. Specific Occupations: Skilled trades, particularly building finishers, have the highest risk, while labourers also face elevated risks. Industry Drivers: Key factors include financial insecurity, tight deadlines, long hours, and poor mental health support. Job Insecurity: A high proportion of workers( 36 % in the UK) are self-employed or on temporary contracts.
Most excitingly, I’ m joining Wirral Life Magazine as a health and wellbeing columnist. I’ m looking forward to connecting with more local businesses and friendly faces. If your organisation would like to prioritise staff wellbeing or be part of the conversation, I’ d love to hear from you.
Email: ann @ amdhealthandwellbeing. co. uk
What’ s next for you? I have just finished filming in Belfast for the BBC for the third incredible series of TIME written by Jimmy McGovern alongside David wirrallife. com 51