Meet Loraine from nabs
/Loraine Brown, Regional Director - West, recently spoke with YWiB Vancouver out nabs (The National Advertising Benevolent Society), which is a support system for Canadian professions in the marketing and communications industry. During a turbulent year, nabs has seen an increase in professional accessing their services and as we adjust to reopening, more support may be needed going forward.
Tell us about yourself:
I am a Mother of 4, plus one bossy pug and grandmother of 3. I spent most of my career in the Newspaper Industry including a 3 year position working for a Hospital Foundation raising money for much needed medical equipment. I’ve volunteered with the Restorative Justice program, Big Brothers/Sisters, Seniors organizations & have sat on various News & Politics Boards. Recently, I completed my Mental Health First Aid training. Most of my life I’ve been passionate about people as well as giving back to our Communities.
What is nabs?
nabs supports the health, wellbeing, and development of all individuals & families in the media, marketing, and communications industry in Canada.
What inspired nabs?
nabs was established in 1983, based on a similar model in the UK, to support people in the advertising industry in Canada and to build community and support for people and their families working in a tumultuous industry. 37 years later, it has evolved significantly to provide skill building programs, a variety of counselling and digital options to help people manage the stress of our industry, and financial support when something like a critical illness upends their lives.
We are committed to being a people first organization.
Who is this service for?
nabs is available to any Canadians working in or (retired from) the advertising, marketing, media industry in Canada and their family members. Once students graduate from their post-secondary education, and get their first job in our industry, they are eligible for nabs services.
Can you expand on 1-2 services that nabs provides to professions in the marketing and communications industry?
nabs Supportline – where members can call to access confidential counselling on a broad range of topics.
LifeSpeak – our digital wellness library of videos, blogs, podcasts and monthly ‘Ask the Expert’ campaigns on topics of interest. Three times a year, we run Mental Health marathons with LifeSpeak’s experts in May, October and Diversity and Inclusion month, which will be in September this year.
Togetherall - our new confidential, peer to peer anonymous platform that is available to anyone in our industry needing support or able to support someone else in a similar situation.
How did COVID-19 affect nabs as an organization?
Like many organizations, nabs had to respond quickly and ensure the supports and programs were in place and easily accessible. Focusing on mental wellbeing, financial counselling, career strategy and support, working with our expert professionals. It’s been over a year of relentless adaptation for nabs, and our community.
Has there been an increase in individuals reaching out to nabs for support since the onset of the pandemic?
Yes, we’ve experienced significant growth, and engagement from our community. We are pleased to be so accessible, and the industry is really working hard to have these important mental health conversations. In response, nabs launched Mental Health First Aid Training and certification with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to ensure that people who were being approached for support, had the skills necessary to provide support, and get their people connected to the broad range of mental health services offered by nabs or their own organization’s Employee Assistance Programs. To date, we’ve trained 250 people across Canada, in 70 organizations including HR, leaders and middle managers so the professional expertise was available during these most challenging times.
What inspired you to work/join nabs?
The opportunity to work for an organization that puts “people first”.
What has been your favourite memory at nabs?
Seeing & feeling the gratitude of relief from clients when they know we are going to help them get through whatever life challenges they are going through.
How can others get involved?
Support our organization through donations, sponsorships or event tickets. As well as get involved in our programs/workshops that are free of charge. Becoming a volunteer is a great opportunity to learn & grow in your career.
Currently, nabs West is launching a new initiative that was created in response to the changes in the industry that resulted from the pandemic. There has been an unexpected shift in business. Some individuals are finding they have an abundance of extra time or are discovering other creative talents, while others are just on the search for new opportunities. The nabs Talent Pool, which is sponsored by LifeWorks, is a live auction where individuals can donate their time and talents. 100% of proceeds will go to nabs, directly impacting those who work in Marketing, Media, and Communications. This is the perfect platform where individuals can gain access to new opportunities and experiences, grow their networks, make connections in the industry, and build their portfolios all while helping their fellow colleagues by donating to nabs and supporting our programs and services. For more information, all the details can be found at www.nabs.org/talentpool.
Website: nabs.org
Instagram: @nabs_west
Facebook: @nabswest
Blog post by Martha Fallon
Martha is a Social Media Coordinator for YWiB Vancouver. Martha hails from Ireland and is a keen traveler who enjoys exploring the vast landscapes of Canada.