81 Percent Increase In Enquiries To Ben Helpline During 2015 / 16

• New Impact Report unveils statistics from 2015/16
• BEN almost doubles the number of people supported in the automotive industry

BEN’s new annual Impact Report provides an overview of BEN’s performance and the work the organisation has been doing in 2015/16 to make a positive difference to the lives of people within the automotive industry (past and present) and their dependents.

BEN will be publishing quarterly Impact Reports starting in August with this first annual edition focusing on the performance of the organisation throughout 2015/16.

The report highlights a significant increase of 81% in enquiries to its dedicated helpline as compared to the previous year with more than 2700 individuals seeking help. It specifies the reasons why people contacted BEN, along with a geographical, gender and age breakdown of those supported.

BEN offers a wide range of free and confidential information, advice and guidance to help people in the automotive industry who are facing financial troubles, health problems, mental health worries or who feel alone and need someone to talk to.

Of all enquires received, more than 79% were from people of working age, and 75% were male. The information also suggests a North/South divide, with a far higher proportion of cases coming from the Midlands, and the North of the country, reflecting the stronger automotive manufacturing presence in these areas.

The report also highlights the presenting issues for people when contacting BEN for help – 44% of cases were focussed on financial worries and 38% of cases concerned challenges with physical well- being. BEN adopts a holistic approach to each case, ensuring that the root causes to a person’s challenges are addressed and not just the presenting issues. This helps ensure long-lasting and positive outcomes.

The on-going success of BEN’s various Care Centres across the UK is also noted, which reported 92% average occupancy over the year, with a focus on the provision of Dementia care.

David Main, CEO at BEN, said: “This information is extremely valuable, both to BEN and to our supporters, helping them to stay informed about BEN’s work. The increase in the number of people we have supported not only highlights the real need for our services but allows us to understand the reasons why people reach out to us, helping us to accurately predict how we can support others in the future.”

Along with the impact BEN had on the industry, the report also sets out the influence its supporters have made, by choosing to donate and support the organisation. There were over 12,000 individual donors who supported BEN, contributing £600,000 via Payroll Giving (Give as You Earn). Fundraising events raised £461,000 indicating an 11% increase on the previous year and £1.63 million came from donations by the vehicle manufacturers through new car registrations.

David Main added, “BEN would be unable to help anyone without the vital funds we receive from our supporters in the automotive industry, our corporate sponsorships, and the individuals who set out to fundraise for us.”

“A heartfelt thank you to all supporters for your involvement. You play a crucial role in our success and allow us to help thousands of people each year. We simply cannot do this without your support.”