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Category: Charity
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is calling on automotive people to step up to its new Big Walk fundraising challenge on 8th September. As May is National Walking Month, the charity is launching Ben’s Big Walk, inviting members of the automotive family to take the first step and sign up to the challenge.
The charity is calling on people from across the automotive industry to grab their walking shoes and get moving with friends, family and colleagues in Ben’s Big Walk. There are two locations so participants can choose to take part at the South Downs or Hadrian’s Wall and there are two challenges to choose from in terms of distance, a full marathon or half marathon.
In the South Downs walk, participants will start just outside Brighton and will experience breathtaking views as well as testing, undulating terrain before finishing in Eastbourne. Participants of the Hadrian's Wall trek will journey alongside one of the largest ancient monuments in Northern Europe in this world-famous historic landscape. Whichever the chosen route, it will be a tough but rewarding challenge with lots of support from like-minded members of the automotive family – all putting their best foot forward to help raise vital funds at a time when Ben is supporting more people than ever.
Next steps - sign up
Take the first step to Ben’s Big Walk this September: click here
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, said: "We’re inviting all members of our automotive family to take a step in the right direction and sign up for our new fundraising challenge, Ben’s Big Walk. As May is National Walking Month, we thought what better time to launch our new event and get people to step into the challenge in time for September. So, step up today for people in our industry who are struggling or in crisis, because, now more than ever, they need us and we need you!”
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is launching new health checks for automotive people, offering the chance for those who work in the industry to have a personal MOT for their physical and mental health.
Ben Health Checks can be booked by any automotive employer wanting to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees. In today's fast-paced world and work environment, with multiple additional challenges, prioritising employee health and wellbeing has never been more important for any business. This is further supported by results from Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey which indicate that 99% of respondents said they had experienced an issue with their health or wellbeing over the past 12 months.
The health checks offer the opportunity for automotive employees to have one-on-one conversations about their physical and mental health with a qualified health professional. The health checks also identify potential issues and also suggest making positive changes so people can live and work well.
Ben is offering two types of health checks; one focusing solely on physical health (20 minutes) and another that is a full MOT, checking both physical and mental health (30 minutes). In the physical health check, four tests are carried out including resting heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The health professional will then discuss results with each employee and compare them with national health guidelines to provide a clear understanding of their current physical health. In the physical and mental health check, employees will undertake the same physical health tests as well as a mental health check-in to see how they are feeling in terms of levels of stress, mood and worry and coping day-to-day.
To start the roll out of Ben's Health Checks, the team will be attending the upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th June at the NEC, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more and have their very own health check.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “It’s never been more important for employers to prioritise employee health and wellbeing, especially at the moment when there are multiple work and life pressures on our automotive family. Employee absences can be linked to lifestyle-related illnesses, with factors such as alcohol, obesity and smoking known to be at the root of many health conditions.
“With 1 in 3 automotive people reporting to be struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, providing a health check is a proactive step, empowering people to take control of their health and wellbeing so they can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By booking Ben Health Checks for your employees, you’re not only investing in your people and your business, you’ll also be supporting your industry charity."
To learn more about Ben Health Checks and schedule a session for your employees, visit www.ben.org.uk/healthchecks. All health checks are delivered on site to allow for minimal disruption to the working day and they are private, confidential, and carried out on a one-to-one basis with a qualified health professional.
It’s free to attend the upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th June – so sign up by clicking here and receive your free Ben Health Check!
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It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a new report revealing results from its latest survey, in which over 1 in 4 automotive workers (27%) reported issues managing their mental health. This is compared to 16% of UK workers who said they have issues managing their mental health, showing it’s a bigger issue for people working in the automotive industry.
The survey also found that an overwhelming 99.6% of automotive people have been affected by a health & wellbeing issue over the previous 12 months. Stress remains the most common health & wellbeing issue that automotive employees face, at 56%, followed by poor sleep (51%), feelings of anxiety (43%) and low mood (41%). The results clearly show that mental health issues are the most prominent of the top 10 issues and affect a number of people in the automotive industry.
Furthermore, a total of 7 in 10 respondents said they worry about money and these people are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, low mood and depression. The number of people worrying about money has increased from the year before (6 in 10), which is most likely caused by cost-of-living pressures. Year on year, debt has increased by 3% (19% to 22%), being unable to budget has increased by 12% (14% to 26%), being unable to save has increased by 5% (31% to 36%) and skipping meals has increased by 6% (10% to 16%).
The survey also revealed that 1 in 7 automotive workers are considering leaving the industry and that pay is the biggest motivator for this (29%). A total of 87% of those considering leaving the industry have had financial issues and 63% are experiencing stress at work.
Read report
Read the report of the results here: www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2024
This was Ben’s biggest survey to date with a record 1,872 automotive employee respondents of all UK regions, ages, gender and working environments. The survey is in its seventh year and aims to uncover the key health and wellbeing issues currently affecting the automotive industry workforce so Ben can continue to provide relevant support now and in the future.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re pleased to be launching our latest survey results report to highlight the health and wellbeing issues that our automotive family are facing. Our annual surveys are the ideal opportunity to hear from our automotive family so we can fully understand their struggles and then provide the support they need. We also take it as an opportunity to share these insights with employers and our industry stakeholders so we can all do more to support automotive people and their families.
“Mental health issues are affecting 1 in 4 of our automotive family and we can see that money worries are contributing to this. More people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, with issues such as skipping meals and debt on the rise. Of course, this is likely to have an impact on their overall health and wellbeing, including both their physical and mental health.”
“On the back of these results, we want to make sure that everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry knows we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling by visiting www.ben.org.uk/gethelp. We’re here for employers too and you can read about how Ben can support your business and the health and wellbeing of your employees in the report, or by visiting www.ben.org.uk/business.”
Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online mental health support, visit www.ben.org.uk/mentalhealth.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is turning up the heat for this year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC) which will see a group of senior leaders tackling the Sahara Desert in November.
Up to 10 teams of two will spend five days trekking across the Sahara Desert in Morocco to raise a minimum of £20,000 per team for Ben. Participants will spend up to 10 hours a day trekking across unforgiving terrain, covering up to 27km a day in the punishing heat. Daytime temperatures will be 25-35°C and closer to zero at night with no shade except during meal stops and overnight.
Previous ILC adventures have included swimming across the English Channel, skydiving, cycling down the Thames and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This year's event is just as epic, presenting a different set of challenges to overcome – heat, sand and the harsh conditions of the world's largest desert. Participants will find themselves camping under canvas, with only a small team, a jeep and a camel for company.
So far, teams from the Retail Motor Industry Federation, the Independent Garage Association and LKQ ECP have signed up to take on the Sahara. From those organisations, Stuart James, Director of RMIF; Rob Collison, Chairman of the IGA and Kevin Finn, Chair of RMIF and IMI, are confirmed as taking part.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, said: "If you're serious about doing something incredible while making a real difference to people's lives, this year’s Industry Leader Challenge is the perfect opportunity. As with all ILC events, the primary focus is on raising funds to support people in the automotive industry who are facing challenges beyond their control.
“We encourage anyone up for the challenge to reach out and join us in this once-in-a-lifetime experience while raising money to support those in the industry who are struggling or in crisis. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support.”
Participants must have a good level of fitness to endure five consecutive days of trekking the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert in scorching temperatures. There are limited spaces available so, for more information about the event, or to register your interest, please contact Matt Wigginton at [email protected].
The ILC is an epic personal challenge taken on each year by an automotive industry leader (or leaders) to fundraise for Ben. The ILC requires extraordinary personal endeavour that tests the challenger(s) either mentally or physically - or both. After completing a challenge of their choice (either with a team or alone), the challenger then hands the baton over to another industry leader for the following year.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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- Ben Ball 2024 to take place on 11th December at Old Billingsgate Market
- Tickets on sale now and sponsorship opportunities available
- Raising funds to support those who are struggling or in crisis
Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched ticket sales for Ben Ball which will take place at Old Billingsgate Market on 11th December and has a new theme for 2024. Those working in the automotive industry are now officially invited to celebrate Christmas with their friends and colleagues at Ben Ball 2024, supported by Auto Trader.
This year, the event will embrace the era of the roaring ’20s, so guests will experience a night of glitz, glamour, vintage charm and timeless elegance. It’s set to be another amazing night of celebration, awe-inspiring entertainment, networking opportunities and fantastic food.
Ben Ball 2023 was a sell-out with just under 500 automotive industry figures in attendance, so Ben is encouraging the automotive community to book now to avoid missing out on this annual black tie event…
Book tickets now!
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re inviting our automotive family to join us at Ben Ball 2024 which is set to be another fantastic evening of celebration and entertainment. This year, we’re excited to be stepping back into the iconic era of the 1920s so you can expect a night to remember, full of style and sophistication.
“We continue to support a record number of automotive people due to the cost-of-living crisis which is having a big impact on their health and wellbeing. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event as it brings in vital donations to change lives and support those who are struggling, while also enabling us to recognise those who have helped us achieve so much during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Old Billingsgate Market again this December for the flagship automotive event of the year!”
Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s Commercial Director, commented: “Once again it’s a huge privilege to be sponsoring the Ball, which not only raises critical funds for those who are most in need of help, but also drives awareness of the incredible work Ben does day in day out. It’s humbling to see so many businesses and individuals from across the industry come together every year, to dig deep, and to support such a vital charity which provides invaluable services to so many of our industry colleagues and friends. The cost-of-living crisis means more people than ever are relying on Ben, so support from across the industry needs to grow even further to match the increased demand. I have no doubt that 2024 will be another huge success.”
To book your tickets now or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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