A message from ABS President Eddie Weir this Christmas

Through recent conversations, I’ve heard a lot about how many of us continue to struggle, whether that is through current financial difficulty or the worry of not knowing whether you will be able to turn on the heating this winter. This might also be on top of the many personal struggles we all face, particularly at this time of year.

I am writing to you this Christmas to tell you what support is available through ABS, how to access it and to strongly encourage you to reach out to us if you need help. You may not know what kind of support you need, or feel embarrassed for asking, but please pick up the phone or write that email. The incredible team at ABS is here to listen, and we can ask the right questions to quickly get you the right support if needed. Please remember that no matter how big or how small you think what you are going through is, ABS is here for you.

Support through ABS

At ABS, we focus on each person as an individual. Our support starts with a conversation with a member of the ABS Welfare Team, looking at the bigger picture of what is going on in your life, taking a holistic approach and suggesting support that is specific to your needs. Alongside our welfare partner charities, ABS can help in a range of ways.

• Money & debt
• Mental health & wellbeing
• Employment support
• Housing advice
• Physical health & disability

What we have been able to do:

As a relief of poverty charity, ABS is at the frontline supporting people during the cost-of-living crisis and the struggles people have faced throughout this year. We can respond quickly to the needs of our architectural community. In the last year alone, ABS has:

• Provided £700,000 in monthly grants to help people with living and housing expenses.
• Given a one-off winter fuel payment and monthly top-up grants to help people make ends meet.

Since October, we have increased our monthly grants between 17% and 28% depending on household type, in line with the increases in the benchmark we use to work out grant levels (we use the Minimum Income Standard, which shows the amount households need to live a decent standard of living). We are prioritising monthly grants to help ease some of the financial pressure and worry of meeting daily costs. This is a significant increase on previous years, demonstrating ABS’ responsiveness to the financial challenges people are facing.

If your household’s income is less than the benchmark we use, we may be able to help. Even if you are working, you may still be eligible so please do contact us.

We can’t control the challenges that life serves us, but we can help, and ABS is here for you this Christmas. We have consciously made the decision to focus on our support instead of our usual Christmas appeal this year, but of course if you wish to give a gift and donate and are able to do so, your kind support would be greatly appreciated.

Please take the time to tell a friend, family member or colleague that ABS is a Foundation of Support for the architectural community so more people know we are here to help. I wish you all a wonderful and peaceful Christmas, please take care and stay safe.

Yours Sincerely,
Eddie Weir PPCIAT
ABS President