What to expect when you call NABS Advice Line
At NABS we know that it’s good to talk. Our Advice Line is staffed by friendly, experienced and non-judgemental advisors who want to support you.
Calling the Advice Line might seem daunting so here’s information on what our advisors might ask you and some common reasons for calling.
What to expect when calling the Advice Line
When you call the Advice Line, your call will be answered by one of our friendly and dedicated advisors. We’ll always focus on what you’d like to discuss, and we’ll provide a non-judgmental listening ear and heartfelt support.
You can contact the Advice Line on 0800 707 6607 between 9am – 5.30pm or email support@nabs.org.uk
Is my call confidential?
Rest assured that everything that you tell us is confidential; it won’t get back to your employer or anybody else.
What are some typical reasons for calling?
Our trained advisors offer support on a wide range of subjects. We often take calls on: employment matters, emotional support, financial support and conflict in the workplace. Whatever your reason for calling, we’re ready to offer a listening ear and heartfelt support.
What sort of questions will you ask?
We’ll use some open, coaching-style questions, such as, “What do you need most right now?” Whatever the topic, we’ll review your options together to help you work out what will support you and how to get there.
Can I call more than once?
Yes. Some people may benefit from a few phone calls to help them work through their situation and options. For others, one phone call may be all that they need. We tend to leave that decision to the caller. We might arrange a follow-up with somebody in distress to check how they’re doing
Quite often, our callers will get back in touch with us when they need our support on a different matter.
What is an example of an employment matter?
Examples include if you’re at risk of redundancy, have a contractual query, rights around maternity leave, requesting flexible working, or maybe raising an issue with your company in the form of a grievance.
We’ll focus on your rights, the process and exploring your options. Our aim is to help you feel more confident about the next call, email or meeting; whatever’s coming up next.
What is an example of emotional support?
We talk to people about a range of subjects from mental health to work pressures, domestic abuse to bereavement.
We’re not therapists, but we do listen and offer heartfelt support. By asking open-style questions, we can help you review your options and explore practical next steps.
What is an example of financial support?
We offer two types of grants: Upskilling and Support Grants.
Upskilling Grants might be relevant if you’re out of work and have identified a skills gap preventing you from getting back into work. Our hope is by funding a training course, you’ll be able to use your new skills to find a job.
The aim of our Support Grants is to offer short-term help if you’re struggling financially, either with a one-off payment or support over several months. We don’t replace income you could be eligible for from the government, such as state benefits. We’ll work with each applicant to identify how we can make the biggest difference to you with a grant, should you quality.
Find out more about grants on Grants and awards page.
What is an example of conflict in the workplace?
Examples include bullying, harassment or intimidation in the workplace. Or you could be experiencing a challenging work environment.
Can I call on behalf of someone else?
Yes, if you’re aware someone you work with might need support, we could talk with you about how NABS can assist but also how you may be able to help your colleague. We’d encourage your colleague to contact us too, so we can offer our confidential, impartial advice directly to them as well.
How quickly will you be able to get back to me?
We hope to be available when you call the Advice Line – we are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5.30pm on 0800 707 6607. If we are unavailable, there is an option in our answerphone message to organise a call back from the team via text message. Alternatively, you can email the team at support@nabs.org.uk
Our standard response time is within 48 hours. We aim to get back to you within 24 hours if we can.
Keep us in mind if you ever feel that you need some support. We’re here to provide a listening ear, no matter what you’re going through.
NABS friendly and supportive Advice Line team is here to give you confidential and empathetic support. Call 0800 707 6607 or email support@nabs.org.uk
For 24/7 quick guidance, chat to the NABS Support Bot. Enter your queries into the bot as short phrases or single words to find the answers you need.