Who can Ben help with physical health?

Ben provides physical health guidance and support for anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry and their family dependents, including tips on exercise, nutrition, and managing long-term conditions.

What physical health support does Ben provide?

Ben offers guidance on staying active, eating healthily, accessing preventive health checks, managing chronic conditions, and connecting with health and wellbeing resources.

How can I contact Ben for physical health support?

You can contact Ben via the support helpline on 08081 311 333 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm), email supportservices@ben.org.uk, chat online, or request a callback.

Physical health

Looking after our physical health is not only good for us now, it can also help us improve our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you want to get fitter, eat better or need some help with something specific, we can help.

What is physical health?

Physical health means how well your body functions day-to-day — including energy levels, mobility, strength, sleep, nutrition, and the management of any ongoing conditions. It’s not a fixed state: it changes with what you do, how you care for yourself and the stresses life throws at you.

It’s also closely linked to mental health: feeling physically well can boost your mood, while ongoing physical issues can affect how you think and feel. That’s why building healthy habits is about supporting your whole wellbeing.

Your physical health matters at every stage

From starting your day to winding down at night, small changes can create big benefits. Below are the core areas we focus on to help you live well.

Move more

Regular movement supports heart health, muscle strength and energy — and it doesn’t have to mean expensive gym memberships. Walking, cycling, free workouts and simple routines can all make a difference.

Explore: How to build daily movement habits

Eat and drink well

Good nutrition fuels your body and supports healthy immune function. Staying hydrated and choosing balanced meals helps you stay alert, recover faster and feel more in control of your health.

Explore: Nutritious eating on a budget

Sleep better

Sleep affects your energy, mood and memory — and adults typically need around 7–9 hours per night. Consistent sleep routines help your body restore and recharge.

Explore: Better sleep strategies

Look after yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Taking time to rest, recover and reset helps prevent burnout and supports long-term health.

Explore: Self-care essentials

How Ben can support you

Ben’s support is free, confidential and tailored specifically for people who work, or have worked, in the UK automotive industry — and their family dependants.

Practical support and tools

We offer:

Advice, tips and self-help resources on physical wellbeing
Personalised guidance via online chat or helpline
Tools that link physical health with mental and emotional wellbeing

If you’re facing challenges, struggling to stay motivated, or need specific help, just get in touch — we’re here to help you take the next step.

Call: free on 08081 311 333
Chat: online via LiveChat

Health checks and proactive care

Ben now offers health checks for automotive industry people — a chance to assess your physical wellbeing, understand key health indicators and get personalised advice from qualified professionals. These checks can also include a combined physical and mental wellbeing review.

Learn more: What’s included in a physical health check

Stories that matter

Real experiences help others feel less alone.

“I felt lost after my accident, but Ben helped me navigate my disability and rebuild confidence in my body and mind.” – Derek

Read more stories to find reassurance, community and motivation.

Dive deeper into physical health

Explore more focused topics and expert advice articles:

Each topic links to rich articles and tools designed to support you in everyday life.

Stay connected

Sign up to get regular tips, tools and advice on physical health and wellbeing delivered straight to your inbox — along with updates on events, resources and community stories.

Here’s some ways you can stay fit, healthy and active:

Increase your physical activity

Exercise releases endorphins in your body, giving you a natural high – there are lots of workouts online that the kids can get involved with too – check out NHS 10min workouts or couch to 5k. Here are some other great ideas to get physical.

Nutrition is important

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is very important for our physical and mental health. The saying, “you are what you eat” really is true – if all you eat is rubbish, you’ll probably feel rubbish too. We should try and aim to eat 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables per day. Try Miguel Barclay’s £1 meals, SuperCook for recipe ideas or Jack Monroe’s healthy foodspiration! Find more general information about eating healthy and how what you eat can affect your mood.

Get enough sleep

It’s recommended for adults to aim for around 8 hours of sleep each night. Even in lockdown, aim to go to bed and get up at the same times each day and make enough time to unwind before going to bed. Sleep allows the body to restore itself, cells to repair themselves, and the brain to reboot. If you’re struggling with sleep, we have lots of tips and advice available here.

Keep hydrated

We should try to drink 6-8 cups of water each day (or 2 litres). Not drinking enough water can cause headaches, issues with concentration, hunger and tiredness, as well as affecting mood. If you find yourself losing track of how much water you’re drinking, get yourself a 2 litre bottle and focus on finishing that each day. Find out more about staying hydrated here.

Prioritise self-care

Ever heard the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? This is about self-care. Self-care is about looking after yourself and making sure that you are OK first. It isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. Find out more about self-care here.

If you’d like to receive regular tips, advice, and tools like these each month - sign up here.

And, if you need some help or advice for your physical health, call us free on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online - we're here to help.

Move for you, fitness and wellbeing with Sarah.

Fitness doesn’t have to mean gyms or extreme goals, it’s about movement, motivation and feeling good. Sarah, our Outreach Manager’s PT background brings approachability and real-life relevance.