Architects Benevolent Society celebrates its 170th anniversary

ABS celebrates its 170th anniversary with the launch of their Foundation of Support campaign, new website and a video featuring ABS President Jane Duncan OBE PPRIBA FRIAS and ABS Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

On 27 November 2020, Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) is 170 years old! ABS is marking this special occasion with the launch of their Foundation of Support campaign providing renewed focus on their core support services Money and Debt, Employment, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Housing Advice and Physical Health and Disability. They will also launch their new website and release a video demonstrating the Society's commitment to helping vulnerable people in the architectural community.

ABS has changed a lot since its inception in 1850, when the first formal General Meeting was held in the Freemason's Tavern in Covent Garden, London. There, the Architects Benevolent Society was founded. By 1852, ABS had helped 4 people in the profession and 170 years on they are assisting over a thousand individuals and families each year. The aim of providing support which is tailored to individual needs, and designed to improve people's lives has remained the same throughout their 170 years.

ABS President, Jane Duncan OBE PPRIBA FRIAS says: "The world has changed so much in the past 170 years, and ABS has adapted so it can provide real help that responds to the current needs of the architectural community. We want you all to know how ABS can make a difference; to provide support that changes people's lives for the better."

ABS Chair, Geoffrey Purves says: "Our help has never been more needed than it is now and we continue to expand and improve on the services we provide. Please help us to spread the word to all those who eligible for that help by supporting this campaign; together we can make a real difference."

The video:

The video ABS: A Foundation of Support, 170 years in 170 seconds, will feature key supporters of ABS; HRH The Duke of Gloucester (ABS Patron), Jane Duncan OBE PPRIBA FRIAS (ABS President), as well as beneficiaries and ambassadors. It will demonstrate the Society's commitment to help vulnerable people in the architectural community and its continued assistance with the Foundation of Support campaign.

Watch the teaser trailer below:

 

Foundation of Support campaign:

Tell a FRIEND, COLLEAGUE, FAMILY MEMBER and follow the #FoundationofSupport campaign.

Architects Benevolent Society is calling on all their supporters in the architectural community to join us in this campaign to help spread the message to people who may need assistance and let them know the Society is a foundation of support for the wider architectural community, their families and students.

The Foundation of Support campaign will provide a renewed focus on our diverse range of services. It will also showcase our partnerships with other charities such as Shelter and Anxiety UK.

Spread the word: #FoundationOfSupport

The Foundation of Support campaign has been developed specifically in response to the concerns that potential beneficiaries were missing out on the help available to them, because of a lack of awareness of the overall work of the ABS. In the current context of a global pandemic, affecting all our lives, ABS support is needed more than ever.

ABS wants the professionals they support to:

• Recognise and understand the help available 
• Encourage friends, colleagues and their families to come forward for support
• Know where and how they can access help if they need it

New ABS website – www.absnet.org.uk

Our new website will provide people with clear information about who can apply for help, our support services, along with useful resources.

People can access information about support available with:

• Money and Debt
• Employment
• Housing Advice
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Physical Health and Disability