More than 50 delegates attended a mental health and wellbeing event at Walsall FC’s Locker Room hosted by Birmingham Health, Safety and Environment Association (BHSEA) in partnership with HSE’s Working Well Together (WWT).
The session brought together six expert speakers who shared lived experience, specialist insight, and practical approaches to supporting safer, healthier workplaces across construction and wider industry.
The event opened with Justin Manley, founder of Titanium Talks, whose keynote ‘Be Safe Today to Build Tomorrow’ reflected on the near‑fatal 2015 accident that reshaped his life and strengthened his commitment to improving safety culture.
Kate Walker, CEO of the Diabetes Safety Organisation, highlighted the growing safety risks linked to diabetes and the need to recognise invisible health conditions at work.
Chad Jones, HSEQ Manager at DWJ Harkin Ltd and BHSEA Construction Committee member, spoke openly about his own mental health journey and how it drives his focus on behavioural safety and workforce wellbeing – demonstrating that meaningful support is achievable for SMEs as well as larger contractors.
Delegates also heard from Tricia Cunningham of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, who outlined the 24/7 emotional, physical, and financial support available to the construction community.
Psychotherapist Anne Nyachae, working with BHSEA member MOHS, explored psychological safety as a foundation for stronger reporting cultures, improved learning, and better mental wellbeing.
Closing the event, Stuart Maclean, head of HR at Equans Places and Communities, shared practical guidance on integrating wellbeing into safety management and emphasised the importance of HR and SHEQ collaboration.
BHSEA Construction Committee chair Clark Hunter said: “This event showed just how vital it is to place people at the heart of safety. Our speakers brought honesty, expertise, and practical insight that will help organisations strengthen their approach to mental health and wellbeing.”
The event forms part of BHSEA’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible learning opportunities that promote best practice and strengthen safety culture across the West Midlands.
The Birmingham Health, Safety and Environment Association (BHSEA) is a not-for-profit membership organisation promoting the health, safety, welfare and wellbeing of working people and the organisations they work for. Through events, training, resources, and networking, BHSEA supports members in achieving compliance, reducing risk, and fostering a culture of safety across all sectors.
