This Friday (7 June) the media industry will unite for a 63-mile cycle to raise thousands of pounds for NABS, the mental health and wellbeing charity for professionals working in the media and advertising industry.

The Sea Change for Mental Health journey will see riders from the likes of PHD, Mediacom, Accenture, Mail Metro Media and more set off from Marble Arch and head south for Brighton’s Marine Parade, experiencing in one of Britain’s most celebrated cycling routes.

Among the cycling group will be Charlie Altman, NABS’ director of fundraising, who has taken time out of her training and fundraising to tell us more about the charity and its mission.

Support cyclists like Charlie help reach the £25,000 target to raise money for NABS and make a difference for mental health! Click here to make a donation for a great cause! 

Hi Charlie. What can you tell us about NABS and its mission?

“NABS was founded in 1913 to look after the employees of the advertising profession. Its mission, as a benevolent society, was to ensure that people in the profession had somewhere to turn to if they fell on hard times. Since then, NABS has expanded and adapted its services, with a growing focus on helping to prevent people from reaching crisis point.”

Who does NABS support and what does it do to help them?

“NABS supports everybody working in the advertising and media industry, including those employed in media agencies, creative agencies, and media owners, as well as freelancers working throughout the industry. NABS’ mission is to help people in the industry to thrive; to empower them so that their wellbeing can flourish.

NABS provides a huge range of support in various forms. Its Advice Line took nearly 1000 calls in the first three months of this year alone. Its Masterclasses help people in the industry to feel confident and resilient. And its evening Talks provide a chance to hear from some of the industry’s most senior figures.

NABS also offers superb networking and learning opportunities at its hugely popular speed mentoring events, which bring together people at all levels from across the industry. Its core services are free to everyone working in the industry, ensuring that people can benefit from help and expertise whatever their situation. That’s why NABS relies on donations to fund its work, especially as demand for its services is increasing each year.”

You can also watch Charlie’s video message ahead of the cycle here.