NABS is launching a new mental wellness programme designed to fill an urgent training gap amongst leaders in the creative industries.

In an industry where many find themselves to be ‘accidental managers’ without any formal training, the training aims to better equip managers to support the mental wellness of their teams.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day  on the 10th October the industry charity has launched the training programme ‘Managers’ Mindsets’. A training approach which has been informed by NABS’ community ‘All Ears’ consultation and the industry-wide ‘All In’ census. The training aims to transform the mental wellness of managers and their teams.

Managers’ Mindsets’ has been specifically designed to tackle overwhelm, at a pivotal time when the industry faces an ongoing mental health crisis. NABS ‘All Ears’ consultation found that 71% of respondents thought a NABS-created management programme would have the most impact in advancing mental wellness in the industry. While almost half (46%) said their mental wellness had suffered while their manager settled into their role, and 60% said their manager was promoted with no training to handle their new responsibilities.

Currently, managers are not fully trained to have mental health-related conversations yet, 40% of All Ears respondents say that they would approach their line manager first of all if they had a mental wellness issue.

The ‘Managers’ Mindsets’ training has been designed to bridge this gap and provide practical tools to support managers in building a safe, inclusive work environment. The training covers crucial areas of mental wellness and management, designed to leave delegates with the resources and tools to support themselves and others.

The training is targeted at new and middle managers, designed and delivered by NABS informed by practical tools grounded in neuroscience and psychology.

The training comprises the following elements, which are available separately or in any combination for added benefit:

• Managers’ Mindsets group workshops (2.5 hours long) on areas including:   Mental wellness conversations , coaching skills, managing pressure, inclusive leadership  and leading through change.  
• Explore group sessions (90 minutes), deep-diving into areas including giving and receiving feedback, creating safe spaces and navigating challenging conversations. 
• Community-building and support via our managers’ mentoring programme and group workshops. 
• NABS’ Advice Line provides 1:1 confidential support for managers and their team members, for compassionate chats, expert guidance and bespoke information to help people through the unique challenges of management, alongside more universal work and life challenges. 
• Speed Mentoring for Managers on 9 October, where attendees can discuss their challenges and gain support and inspiration from some of our industry’s most senior leaders. 

“Managers have a huge influence over their teams’ mental wellness – in many cases, as much influence as their partners might have. Managers' Mindsets gives managers the skills and understanding to be a positive and supportive influence.” says Lorraine Jennings-Creed, Director of Wellbeing Services and Culture Change, NABS.

The training focuses on people and has mindsets at its core. The aim is to help delegates support themselves as they support others, with a focus on community and the benefits a supportive atmosphere can bring.