Category: Charity

1. Take part in Ben’s new automotive Health & Wellbeing survey for chance to win £500

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 3rd Dec 2023

   Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched its new Health & Wellbeing survey for 2023 and is encouraging everyone who works, or has worked, in the industry to share their experiences, with the chance to win a £500 Amazon voucher. The survey is confidential and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

   Ben’s annual survey helps the industry charity understand what health & wellbeing-related issues have been affecting automotive industry people over the past 12 months. Ben then uses the information collected to ensure the charity provides the support services people need now and in the future.

   By taking part, respondents also enable Ben to let automotive employers know what health & wellbeing support employees would like to see in their workplace. The aim is to directly help individuals, as well as helping build a more supportive and resilient automotive industry.

   Help us to help you - take the survey now!
   To help Ben support you and your colleagues now and in the future, take part in the survey: click here.

   Last year’s survey indicated that:

   • 99% of automotive workers were personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue over the 12-month period
   • Stress was the most common issue (66%), followed by poor sleep and low mood
   • Anxiety and depression issues are more common in the automotive industry than in the rest of the UK working population (1 in 3 versus 1 in 6)
   • High workload was the biggest driver of stress in the workplace.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We would like as many people as possible from our industry family to take part in our annual survey so we can gain vital insights into what’s currently going on from a health & wellbeing perspective. This then enables us to focus our efforts on supporting people in the right way, with the right resources. Help us to help you and take the survey now! Just 10 minutes of your time will make a massive difference to our understanding of the needs across our industry, and ultimately the health and wellbeing of our automotive family.”

   Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you need support, get in touch via our free and confidential 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 58258.

   For employers who would like to find out more about working in partnership with Ben, or who would be interested in discussing Health & Wellbeing support for employees contact Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben: [email protected].

    

    

2. Ben releases new short film for International Men’s Day

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 19th Nov 2023

   Ben, the automotive industry charity, has just released a new short film to raise awareness about the topic of suicide on International Men’s Day, for which this year’s theme is ‘zero male suicide’. 

   The short film, called ‘Alright mate’, also aims to challenge perceptions and is a longer piece of video content, at around 8 minutes long, so Ben encourages automotive industry people to dedicate the time to watch it.

   One of the main characters, Aidan (Ade), is played by Alastair Ellery who starred in the Netflix film, The Strays. It was filmed and directed by Chris Harris.

   Watch the film now!
   Click here

3. Ben announces future direction to accelerate growth and help even more automotive people

   Posted on 4:00pm Wednesday 15th Nov 2023

   Today, Ben is announcing the future strategic direction for the charity as part of a new five-year strategic plan.

   The automotive industry charity has experienced a significant increase in service demand since 2018, managing over 300% more enquiries through its confidential helpline and supporting over 200% more individuals through its support and specialist services.

   With the aftermath of a global pandemic, coupled with cost-of-living pressures, Ben has continued to respond to ever increasing demand each year, with more industry-connected individuals reaching out for support than ever before.

   Ben’s Board of Trustees and Executive team have spent the past 12 months completing a strategic review of every aspect of the support and services Ben currently operates and has made some key decisions about the future strategic direction of the charity, which exists to support automotive industry people and their family dependents.

   The following excerpt in italics is a summary taken from a statement which can be read in full here. The statement is to be printed as it is and not re-phrased:

   “Through a recent strategic review process, Ben’s Board of trustees reflected on the changing context for people working in the automotive industry and the impact that it is having, and will have, on their health and wellbeing.In light of the growing demand for Ben’s health and wellbeing services, the Board concluded that over the next 5–10-year period, the priority of the charity will be to significantly increase these services for industry people and their family dependents. This will entail enhancing and accelerating both our reactive and preventative health and wellbeing support services and driving increased impact and engagement across the automotive industry.We will be in a position to share our plans for these developments over the future months. 

   “Establishing Ben’s future focus has required a fundamental review of all Ben’s current services. Our care, and latterly village, services have been an integral and valued part of the charity for over 70 years. Both the Board and Executive team are extremely proud of these services and the excellent reputation they have achieved over the years. After very careful consideration, the Board, supported by Ben’s Executive team, has unanimously concluded that now is the right time to recommend the transfer of these services to the stewardship of new operators. We believe this will ensure that these services and our employees working in them have the very best opportunity to continue to flourish, develop and thrive going forward.”   

   Zara Ross, Ben’s CEO, said: “The announcement being made today marks a significant period of change for our charity, but we believe now is the right time for us to make this commitment. This will enable us to grow and accelerate support and services for our automotive family.

   “Since 2018 when Ben launched its previous 5-year strategic plan, we have developed our health and wellbeing services and managed significant growth in demand. More people than ever are reaching out to us due to their mental health and financial pressures, along with many life and health or wellbeing related issues. In addition to this, we are also, sadly, responding to more cases where automotive people have been affected by the loss of a colleague through suicide.

   “Our Board of Trustees and Executive team are committed to growing our charitable impact even further, but we must raise awareness of the support that Ben provides to ensure we can be there for those who are struggling, or in crisis. We cannot do this alone; we need our industry to join us in raising awareness and help us to support even more of our automotive family. We look forward to sharing more about the scale of our ambition and plans soon.”

   Support Ben and spread the word
   To support Ben and help spread the word about your automotive industry charity, visit www.ben.org.uk/supportBen today.

   Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you need support, get in touch via our free and confidential 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 58258.

4. 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.

5. 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.