NABS, the employee support organisation for advertising and media, has revealed a spike in referrals to therapy services for counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy in the last two months.
Figures for the third quarter of 2021 show that these referrals, made via NABS’ Advice Line, increased by 50% over the period.
Emotional support was the number-one reason for people calling the Advice Line over the whole quarter, with mental health, work pressures and low mood and confidence cited as the main reasons for seeking support.
This is a shift from the trend NABS recorded from the start of the pandemic until last summer (Q2 2021, where financial assistance and redundancy both featured as the main reason for contacting the charity.
Financial-support calls are the second highest reason for calling NABS, close behind at 31%, with people seeking advice on debt and financial management. The organisation offers grants as support for people’s finances if their income or employment is at risk.
NABS is now encouraging people to apply as early as possible for its upskilling and support grants in order to give themselves the best chance of securing funds, before reaching crisis point.
NABS’ Q3 2021 stats are released today, revealing the continuing impact of the pandemic on adland’s wellbeing.
Diana Tickell, CEO of NABS, said: “While the industry is entering a reportedly strong Q4, with recruitment on the rise, the long-term emotional impact of the pandemic on employees requires urgent attention.
“The prevalence of Covid is causing extra stress for individuals, whether they’re carrying extra workloads or juggling their return to office with complex home responsibilities. People need our clear and practical help now to support their wellbeing.”
Tickell is stepping down as NABS CEO in March after seven years at the helm.
Simon Daglish, NABS’ chair and deputy managing director commercial at ITV, will lead on recruitment for Tickell’s replacement with NABS’ Trustees.
