NABS Announces Mood-Boosting Mentoring on the Move Event During Mental Health Awareness Week

A host of senior adland figures are set to become walking mentors in a major first for NABS, the industry’s charity.

Names including Natalie Bell; Simon Daglish; Stuart Flint; Karen Stacey and Josh Krichefski will be ‘mentors on the move’ during NABS’ fundraising Walk and Talk event, taking place on 10th July.

In total, twenty mentors will give two 45-minute career mentoring sessions each during a scenic four-hour walk across London’s Docklands. This means that forty adlanders will benefit from one-to-one time with industry leaders while also enjoying a welcome pause from the working day.

The news is being announced today (13th May) to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme of this year’s week is ‘community’, chiming well with the event. Having strong connections with other people, and being part of a safe and positive community, is vital
for our mental wellness.

More than 250 people from across the industry are expected to attend Walk and Talk, giving participants to the chance to extend their networks and bond with their colleagues.

The full list of mentors and ways in which participating team members can apply for a session is available on request from NABS.

In another first for the event, Walk and Talk is being supported by two major partners: TikTok and Mail Metro Media.

TikTok are bringing a fresh angle to the event, having brought the idea of structured career mentoring element which they are sponsoring.

Kris Bolger, UK general manager, TikTok says, “Mentoring at Walk and Talk will give mentees a special opportunity to discuss their careers with some of our industry’s most influential figures. Speaking on the move, out of their usual environment, with someone
senior from a different business will offer a uniquely fresh perspective on any issues of opportunities they’d like advice on. We’re delighted to have brought this idea to NABS and glad to be supporting our industry charity to raise funds and carry out its
important work in advancing mental wellness.”

Dominic Williams, chief revenue officer, Mail Metro Media, says, “Mail Metro Media has sponsored NABS’ Ride Adland event in the past, so it’s a natural choice for us to now support Walk and Talk. The link between physical and mental health is clear, and we’re
sure that by getting out into the open for a few hours, participants will feel great in both mind and body.”

NABS is aiming for the event to become a regular day out for the industry, noting that taking time away to switch off from work and meet up with friends and colleagues from across the sector is one potential tool to help manage the increasing uncertainty and change which many businesses and individuals are facing.

Sue Todd, CEO, NABS, says, “We’re hearing more and more people talking about the need for forced breaks and how welcome the big holidays like Easter or Christmas are. We love Walk and Talk to become a mini forced break, where everyone in the industry takes off the day together to refresh, come together and enjoy a day supporting their mental wellness while also supporting NABS.”

To join Walk and Talk, sign up as an individual or with a team. Entry per company is £2000 for up to 15 participants or £175 for an individual. All funds raised go directly to NABS, supporting their purpose of advancing mental wellness of our industry, so we can all keep moving forward. To find out more and to sign up visit here.

All participants on Walk and Talk will be eligible for a mentoring session on a first-come, first-served basis. NABS will contact participants with information on how to register.