Jack, 30, from Birmingham, spiralled after losing his father brought back painful childhood memories and caused him to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. He was feeling low and exhausted and turned to Ben for support… 

“When my father passed away, something inside me shifted. His death brought back a lot of difficult childhood memories and emotions I thought I’d buried. I found myself turning heavily to alcohol as a coping mechanism. It was the only way I knew to quiet my mind and numb the pain. Before long, I was spiralling and didn’t know how to stop.

“It was a work colleague who suggested I get help. They’d heard about Ben and urged me to get in touch. At that point, I felt lost and exhausted. I didn’t think I deserved help, but I made the call and it changed everything.

“When I first contacted Ben, they were understanding from the start. The support team were compassionate yet direct, guiding me towards the help I needed. They were always there, checking in, signposting to more help and making sure I never felt alone.

“After my initial call, I was recommended specific counselling support tailored to me. They sourced the right therapy for me which is something I never would have been able to do on my own. Alongside regular check-ins, I also gained access to SilverCloud, which helped me develop better coping strategies between sessions.

“Ben’s support meant everything to me. They gave me a lifeline when I couldn’t see a way forward and helped me understand that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of. I try not to dwell on where I might be without their support, but I know deep down that I would still be struggling, stuck in the same destructive patterns. Instead, I’m now in a place where I feel positive about life. Therapy and ongoing support have equipped me with the tools I need to keep growing and healing.

“For the first time in a long time, I can see a future - one where I can make peace with my past and be content in the present. I know that challenges will come, but now I have the confidence to face them head-on, using what I’ve learned and the support network around me. And if I ever need help again, I would reach out to Ben.

“To anyone considering contacting Ben, my message is simple: try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There is no shame in asking for help. Ben has given people like me the chance to rebuild our lives.”

Our client chose to remain anonymous, so his name and details have been changed and a stock image used.

Support provided by our team:

  • Regular check-ins
  • Mental Health Advisor to recommend specific counselling support (modality)
  • Counselling
  • Information, advice and guidance
  • Signposting to other support
  • Access to SilverCloud programmes

 

Here for you

If you work or have worked in automotive and you're struggling with this or anything else - we've got your back. Don't suffer in silence, chat with us online, or call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 (Mon- Fri 8am - 8pm).

You can also sign up to receive tips, advice & tools to your inbox: www.ben.org.uk/signup.

Sign up to SilverCloud

If you'd like further support, you can sign up for free on our digital platform, SilverCloud. There are a number of programs available, including topics such as sleep, anxiety, depression, stress, money worries,  resilience and more.

SilverCloud is completely free for anyone who works or has worked, in the automotive industry. Sign up for free and get started today, using the access code: ben.

SilverCloud