by Kate Harris, regional director of NABS

NABS, the advertising and media industry charity, is here to support you and your teams during this challenging time and beyond.

Our mission is to support the wellbeing of everybody working in our industry. We passionately believe that wellbeing, from emotional to financial health, is at the centre of happiness and success at work and beyond and our services are all designed to help people to thrive.

We’re here for you whatever your role or level, freelance or permanent. There’s something for everyone and, best of all, our core services are free, because we’re the industry’s charity, funded by the industry to help support all of us working in it.

NABS in Manchester understands the local industry and the challenges you face.  We have a wide network of supporters in the industry across the north west who are passionate about supporting people working in the region. We’re in constant contact with our friends and supporters in the industry, which helps us to deliver services that people want and need.

We understand that the current situation is causing worry and concern throughout our industry. We’re here to do what we can to support you through the next few months and beyond. We’ve just launched our fantastic new Knowledge Hub, which brings together on our website the best of our resources and advice to help you navigate these unpredictable times.

There’s a fantastic explainer video from Annabel McCaffrey, our head of support, on furloughing, as well as help with resilience, how to deal with the pressures of online presenteeism and resources for working parents. I’ve been delving into our mindfulness content and really enjoying the benefits.

One of our top pieces of advice for these times is to communicate with your colleagues. Staying in touch, staying connected will help with those feelings of isolation. I’m sure you’ll already be making use of one of the many video calling platforms that we thankfully have. I’m learning how to use new tech all the time at the moment and it’s really making a difference to my working from home life.

You can keep up-to-date with your professional development from home thanks to NABS. We’ve launched our online Masterclasses – group coaching sessions – which give fantastic inspiration and guidance on a range of topics including building confidence and gravitas. We also offer virtual one-to-one coaching sessions, and we’ve put our fantastic NABS Talks – talks given by senior figures in our industry – on our YouTube channel for you to enjoy at home.

People need our support more now than ever. Encourage your teams and colleagues to get in touch with us, to use our resources and to explore what we have to offer. We’re always here to help.

And we’re here to help thanks to the amazing generosity of our donors. NABS is free to use because we’re a charity. We know that these are uncertain times financially, and that’s partly why our work is so vital. If you are able to support us, thank you: to donate now, please follow this link.

Follow us on social and sign up to our newsletter to find out how you can join our Masterclasses, coaching sessions and more.

Our advice line is ready to take your call, whatever your issues. Call us on 0800 707 6607 between 9am to 5.30pm or email support@nabs.org.uk for tailored advice and guidance, whatever your level or experience.

Remember: NABS is your charity.

Take care,

Kate