Category: Organisations

1. Ben launches exciting new challenge ‘Race Across Britain’ based on popular TV series

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 9th Oct 2023

   Following the huge success of BBC TV series 'Race Across the World', Ben is recruiting teams to take on a new UK-based fundraising challenge for the automotive industry, called Race Across Britain.

   This event will raise vital funds to support people who are struggling or in crisis and is proudly supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts.

   Ben is challenging automotive industry people to pair up with colleagues and take on this new and epic 3-day race across Britain in February 2024. The event will raise funds for Ben during a time when the charity is supporting more people than ever during the cost-of-living crisis.

   A maximum of 50 teams of two people will be challenged to reach set checkpoints throughout Britain from 26th – 28th February 2024. The teams will have a strict budget to cover all food, travel and accommodation. They won’t know any of the checkpoints beforehand so they can’t plan or pre-book travel or accommodation.

   Participants also won’t be permitted to drive themselves, but they can use any form of public transport and cycle, run or walk. Teams will need to plan their own routes carefully and tactically, travelling from one checkpoint to the next. They will be able to take on extra challenges along the way to earn additional budget and help them progress.

   Take on Race Across Britain
   Find out more and sign up now!

   Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income said: “We’re so excited to launch this new and epic race next year! With no planes, no smart phones and no plans, Ben’s Race Across Britain is set to be frenetic and lots of fun. It’ll be a true test of ingenuity, resolve and anyone and everyone in our industry can take part.

   “We know our automotive family loves a bit of healthy competition, so this is the perfect way to have some fun while also supporting your dedicated industry charity. Demand for our services has reached levels never seen before, with one person every 10 minutes contacting Ben for support. That's putting huge pressure on our ability to manage such a dramatic increase in demand. Race Across Britain is a brilliant way to show your support for our automotive family, and every penny raised will make a positive difference to people's lives. Get involved!"

   Andy Hamilton, Group Chief Executive Officer at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “Once again, Ben has pulled out all the stops to create a fun and engaging event to raise critical money for their vital services. As the automotive industry’s charity partner, we’d be lost without them. It’s a pleasure for LKQ Euro Car Parts to sponsor their Race Across Britain event. We’re looking forward to seeing some of you at the starting line!”

   Whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, or in crisis, we all rally to support.

2. Ben launches suicide prevention campaign with new online support and training

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 12th Sep 2023

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has today launched a month-long campaign around suicide prevention, to raise awareness about this difficult topic and highlight that Ben is there for those struggling. As part of the campaign, new support and resources are now available on Ben’s website, as well as new online training.

   The charity has created a new section of its website dedicated to suicide prevention with information, advice and guidance for individuals at risk of suicide, for those worried about someone and also for employers.

   NEW suicide prevention support available at: www.ben.org.uk/suicideprevention  

   • Content and resources on the topic of suicide prevention
   • Downloadable resources and leaflets for individuals and employers
   • Contact details so people know where to turn to for further support
   • Information about relevant training and services for employers to support their employees
   • New real life story about Tracey, who lost her husband to suicide.

   According to ONS, in 2021, there were 6,567 deaths by suicide registered in the UK, with males aged between 45-49 as having the highest suicide rate in England and Wales1. A total of 126 people die by suicide in the UK every week, with around 74% of those being male2. 

   The automotive industry is male dominated (80% male, versus 20% female3) so there is potentially a greater risk and vulnerability to suicide than in other industries. Men often feel under pressure to not show signs of weakness and feel embarrassed to talk about their issues, so are less likely to seek help when struggling with their mental health. Sometimes, pride is a factor and men may think they can handle their problems on their own, or they worry about being a burden to others. Men are also more likely to respond to stress with risky behaviour such as abusing alcohol which increases the risk of suicide by up to eight times.

   Sadly, Ben has seen an increase in calls to its helpline for support around suicide over recent years. In 2022, Ben supported 303 individuals who disclosed they were experiencing suicidal ideation or intent. Around 7 employers each year call on the charity’s Urgent Response Service after an employee has taken their own life. 

   Employers have a role to play in reducing the stigma around male mental health and to provide relevant support to prevent suicide. From findings in Ben’s survey report 2023, 1 in 3 automotive workers reported having had issues managing their mental health, compared with 1 in 6 of the general UK working population.

   Relevant training and services
   In addition to providing support for individuals, Ben also works with automotive industry employers to provide the following training and services: 

   • NEW online Suicide Awareness and Prevention training
   • Suicide First Aid through Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFAUSI) course
   • Mental Health First Aid course which qualifies participants as Mental Health First Aiders
   • Managing Mental Health in the Workplace training 
   • Urgent response service which offers support for employers with critical incidents that affect employees, including support for suicide.

   Here is a recent testimonial about Ben’s new Suicide Awareness and Prevention training:
   
   “The suicide awareness course from Ben was a great source of knowledge on a sensitive subject for both those with no experience of dealing with these issues to those with prior training. It gave practical advice of the tools and support that can be utilised in these difficult situations.” - Nicola Fairley, Arnold Clark

   For more information on Ben’s training and services, email [email protected].  

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Research and statistics should give us cause for concern in our industry, coupled with the fact we currently have more people than ever requesting support. This is why it’s crucial to raise awareness about loss of life through suicide, as it’s a difficult topic to broach. We want everyone in our industry to know that Ben is there for them and urge people to get in touch for support if they’re struggling or in crisis.

   “If you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry please get in touch now if you don't feel you can cope or if you’re at breaking point. You can contact our free and confidential helpline.”

   Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. Don't struggle alone, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258. 

    

   

3. The automotive family is invited to ‘Rev up 4 Ben’ in new campaign to create ultimate driving playlist for summer

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 10th Jul 2023

   Automotive industry charity, Ben, is inviting the automotive community to ‘Rev up 4 Ben’ and create an ultimate driving playlist, with songs handpicked by industry people, influencers and enthusiasts.

   The purpose of the campaign is to curate an epic Spotify playlist of driving songs for summer while encouraging engagement for the charity on social media using #RevUp4Ben, as well as increasing sign ups to its email list. This will help get as many people in the industry as possible to know that Ben is there to support them.

   As it’s summer and peak time for travelling to new destinations, it’s the perfect opportunity for a new playlist - Ben can save you the time and provide one, recommended by your colleagues in the industry!

   Get involved
   Find out more about #RevUp4Ben and get your favourite driving song on the playlist: www.ben.org.uk/drivingplaylist  

   Sign up to receive the playlist
   To get the ultimate driving playlist sent straight to your inbox when it’s ready, sign up to hear from Ben: www.ben.org.uk/signup.

   Ellen Plumer, Head of Marketing, Outreach, Communications & Awareness, said: “To celebrate a love of music, driving and our industry, we’re creating the ultimate driving playlist, chosen by the automotive community – by the community, for the community! We’re really excited to launch this just in time for summer so those travelling to new holiday destinations can have a great new set of tunes to listen to on their journeys.

   “The purpose of the campaign is also to boost awareness and increase Ben’s reach so that everyone in our industry knows about the services we provide. We need your help to spread the word about Ben and our services so no-one in our industry has to struggle alone. Help us do this by getting ready to #RevUp4Ben!”

4. 100 years of Manx GP Stamps

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 16th May 2023

   The collection of eight stamps entitled ‘Celebrating 100 Years of the Manx Grand Prix’ was issued today and the stamps feature a selection of riders who have raced on the world-famous 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course since 1923.
   
   The collection is available at iompost.com/MGP100. 

   This collection is in collaboration with author David Wright and local graphic designer and illustrator Tracey Dean.
   
   They are incredibly proud of this collection and hope that it brings more attention and appreciation to the sport among a broader audience. 

   

5. Isle of Man Post Office Commemorates the Centenary of the Manx Grand Prix

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 15th May 2023

   Isle of Man Post Office is proud to present this collection of eight stamps celebrating the centenary of the Manx Grand Prix (MGP). The collection, which will be issued on 15th May 2023, was created in collaboration with author David Wright and designer Tracey Dean.

   The MGP, as it is now known, was originally a single race called the Amateur Motorcycle Championship aimed at amateur riders, as opposed to the mostly professional riders who competed in the Tourist Trophy (TT) races. A century later, on the same world-famous 37¾ mile Isle of Man Mountain Course, the race has become a well-anticipated event, crowning motorcycle legends such as Geoff Duke, Phil Read, Carl Fogarty, Steve Hislop, and Michael Dunlop.

   John McBride, Chairman of Manx Motor Cycle Club said: “Commemorating the centenary of the Manx Grand Prix is important to honour the history and significance that the event has played in the Island’s road racing history, and the stamps, adorned with some of the event’s motorcyclists from across the decades do just that. It’s a year filled with celebration for the Manx Grand Prix and the Manx Motor Cycle Club is delighted that this unique collection will be available to fans as it allows them to hold on to their own piece of Manx Grand Prix history. In addition to the stamps, there are a number of other special events taking place to mark the centenary celebrations including the “Legends of the Manx Grand Prix” parade lap that pays tribute to some those who have graduated from the races since 1923. More current racers that will be involved include Mick Grant, Ian Lougher, and Phillip McCallen to mention but a few, and that, the stamps will pay homage to the last 100 years, and look forward to the next.”

   Isle of Man Stamps and Coins General Manager, Maxine Cannon added:

   “We are thrilled to be a part of marking an exciting period in the history of the Manx Grand Prix. To many people, including myself, the Manx Grand Prix is a must-see and memorable event. I'm looking forward to hearing the roaring sounds of the machines flying around Mountain course this year”

   The set consists of four se-tenant pairs with the following values 80p, £1.28, £1.51 and £1.75. Within the collection is a Set, Sheet Set, Presentation Pack (limited to 1100), First Day Cover (limited to 1500), Prestige Booklet and a Booklet Pane.

   The full collection can be seen here - www.iompost.com/MGP100

   

   Pictured above (from left to right): Tracey Dean, John McBride (Chairman of Manx Motorcycle Club [MMCC]), Ned Bowers (MMCC Financial Director and former MGP Competitor & Travelling Marshal), Dean Harrison (Former MGP Competitor & Travelling Marshal and Nathan Harrison's father), Nathan Harrison, Phil Taubman (MMCC Director and former Clerk of the Course), Maxine Cannon and Carolynn Sells

    

    

   article supplied