ABS opens its doors to support more people within the architectural community

ABS supports people across the UK in times of need, and can help with money and debt, mental health & wellbeing, physical health and disability, employment support and specialist housing advice.

This new policy is the result of a comprehensive welfare review which involved direct feedback from our beneficiaries and supporters. The review acknowledged that as the practice of architecture has evolved over the years, many architectural practices are now multi-disciplinary, employing staff such as IT and HR professionals, interior designers and office managers, among others, who are integral to the running of the business and are invaluable members of the architectural community.

Rob Ball, ABS Chief Executive, says: “We are delighted to be announcing the widening of our eligibility. This follows a detailed review in consultation with our stakeholders and there was overwhelming support for increasing the range of people we are able to help. We have been pleased to be able to help architects, landscape architects and architectural technologists over the course of our 170 years and we will now be able to support their colleagues in architectural practices, who might otherwise have nowhere to turn when struggling with illness, unemployment or other personal difficulties. We sincerely hope this will help to bring the wider architectural community closer together and to ensure we can assist and support each other through life’s challenges.”

ABS Ambassador Chris Williamson, Weston Williamson + Partners states: “I wholeheartedly support the aims of the ABS in expanding the availability of support to a wider architectural community. It’s fantastic that the ABS recognise all the roles which combine to form our profession.”

We continue to focus on how we can help the greatest number of people in the most effective ways. This latest development will not impact the support we are able to offer our current beneficiaries and all future architects, landscape architects and architectural technologists who may need support.

“I am pleased that ABS are widening their eligibility which ensures that every person in our practice can be supported in their time of need should they need it. Our whole team contribute to achieving our goals as a practice and it is wonderful that ABS recognises this.” – ABS Ambassador Rick McCluggage, Smith Scott Mullan Associates says.

Katie Vivian, Operations Manager says: “‘In working towards our aim to improve the quality of life for the architectural community and their families, we continually review the support we offer, and try to make sure it is reaching those who need it. We hope that employees of architectural practices will feel they can approach us for help, knowing that they will receive confidential and impartial advice, support and guidance relevant to their individual circumstances. We understand that it isn’t always easy to help but everyone needs support sometimes and ABS is here when you need us.”

Download press release here.

A direct link to our eligibility checker is below.

For any questions or if you would like more information please contact Katie Vivian enquiries@absnet.org.uk.

For help and support you can contact the ABS Helpline 020 3918 8588 or email help@absnet.org.uk