Architects Benevolent Society (ABS)

The Architects Benevolent Society support past and present members of the wider architectural community and their families – from people just starting out in their careers, to those who are now in retirement.

The ABS could help:

• Architects, Architectural Assistants, Architectural Technologists, Landscape Architects and employees of architectural practices.
• Dependants of the above.
• They offer students of architecture, landscape architecture and architectural technology annual membership to Anxiety UK (AUK) for the duration of their course.
• For more information on eligibility and to apply for help please see their eligibility checker.

Pressures of work, the vulnerability and uncertainty of the architectural professions, health, relationship and family difficulties are just some of the reasons individuals can experience anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.

The ABS, in consultation with CIAT, RIBA and the Landscape Institute, has partnered with Anxiety UK to provide support to members of the wider architectural profession living with anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression via a range of services, including one-to-one therapy, a dedicated helpline and email services to provide emotional support, self-help materials and annual membership of Anxiety UK.

Anxiety UK is run by and for those living with and/or affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression. With over 46 years’ experience of providing support, Anxiety UK delivers a range of services including a national information line, and talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, clinical hypnotherapy and acupuncture through its network of Anxiety UK Approved Therapists.

Every week in the UK, one in six adults experiences symptoms of a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression. In 2017, the Architect's Journal published its Life in Practice survey results, revealing that mental health is the biggest single worry for respondents aged under 30, with 38% saying it was their largest workplace concern. Angela Brady OBE, ABS President at the time commented: ‘We believe this very important mental health support we will be providing in partnership with Anxiety UK, will give real help to the many people in our wider profession experiencing mental health difficulties, adding to the financial assistance, advice and other practical support the Society already provides."

ABS current (2024) President Eddie Weir PPCIAT Northern Ireland | Architectural Technologist says "We are forward thinking modern professionals, we’re ambitious, we’re driven and we must be adaptable to keep up to date with the future trends while we practice – in which most times can be a demanding environment. For some these demands can take their toll and can detrimentally manifest themselves in many forms. It is absolutely incredible to know that the Society is here to offer help and support to those in our profession who may be experiencing difficult times. For this, I shall continue as always to promote the incredible support that ABS offers to our architectural professions.

Gary Mees PCIAT said: "CIAT is pleased to be supporting this vital and much needed initiative being established by the ABS. Mental health issues have to be addressed and it is of great importance that there is support for those within the built environment sector including Architectural Technology professionals. So, no matter where you are in your career, please remember that there is support and CIAT encourage you to make contact with the ABS who can assist with the help you may need."

The ABS has been supporting members of the architectural professions and their families for nearly 170 years. They help people of all ages, from early on in their careers through to retirement, providing financial assistance, advice and practical support with a range of issues. CIAT is represented by Kathy Thurman MCIAT, who is a Trustee on the ABS Board and a number of members are acting as ABS Ambassadors across the UK.

For further information, please visit: https://absnet.org.uk/get-help/

This article was originally published in AT ed. 122. ( and updated in January 2024)

--CIAT

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