Ben supports automotive industry people through Covid-19 crisis
Ben is supporting the health and wellbeing of automotive industry people during this challenging time. The impact of Covid-19 on the UK automotive industry has meant that its people need Ben’s support now more than ever before.
Ben wants to make the industry aware that the charity is here for the automotive community, providing health and wellbeing support for its people and their financial dependents.
Over the past few months, Ben has seen a marked increase in the number of people turning to the charity seeking support for their mental health and money concerns. This demand is set to continue growing as the full impact of Covid-19 unfolds. Ben is supporting people through Covid-19 in the following ways:
Mental health support
Over 50% of people who turn to Ben need help with their mental health and this is expected to rise in the coming months as the impact of Covid-19 continues.
Individuals can continue to receive support for any mental health issues they are facing. Ben provides mental health assessments, life coaching and telephone based counselling, as well as other talking therapies. Ben is also fast-tracking access to its digital platform so individuals can access self-help support programmes for anxiety, depression, resilience, stress, sleep, as well as mindfulness activities. A new programme called ‘Coping with challenging times’ has recently launched on the platform to help people through Covid-19.
Financial support
On a case by case basis, Ben is supporting individuals in financial need, administering welfare grants for food, utility bills, household goods, essential travel costs, childcare and council tax. Ben’s support services team are also working with individuals to help with relevant solutions such as payment breaks for mortgage lenders, housing providers and utility bills. The team is supporting people to access relevant grants, as well as helping them maximise benefits they are entitled to.
Ben is giving fast-track access to Information, Advice and Guidance for individuals who have financial concerns as a result of the current situation. Support also includes access to Ben’s digital platform, where self-help support programmes are available for issues including money worries.
Click here for more information on the financial support Ben is providing during this time.
Coronavirus hub – online tips, advice & tools
Ben has created a ‘Coronavirus hub’ on its website, with specially developed online tips, advice & tools now available, including:
Ben will continue to develop relevant online tips, advice & tools and promote them on its social media channels, as well as via email. Individuals can sign up to receive regular tips, advice & tools to their email inbox: www.ben.org.uk/signup.
Client testimonials
Ben continues to receive client testimonials which show the positive impact the charity has on people’s lives, especially during difficult times such as this. Here are some recent examples:
“I wanted to thank Ben for the support provided to me during a ‘dark period’ in my life. The 6 weeks of counselling were invaluable in helping me to get to the real root cause of my feelings and behaviours. This has also helped me to cope in times of uncertainty and when overwhelming thoughts take hold. The life coaching sessions have been a lifeline. This whole experience has been life changing.”
“The food voucher came through today, my mum cried her eyes out, it’s such a weight off our minds. We can’t thank you enough! We’ve both been furloughed now so the voucher is going to help us out massively!”
“Thank you so much! Because of the advice you gave me yesterday when my employer was refusing to pay my sick pay, I went to ACAS and I’m pleased to say that my employer is now going to pay my sick pay. Thank you for all the hard work you do!”
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said:
“Our industry has been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic and automotive people are currently facing challenging and uncertain times. We want everyone in our industry to know that we’re here for them and we can provide the support they need. We’re incredibly proud to be delivering on our purpose of providing ‘support for life’ for those who work, or have worked, in our industry.
“During the last 12 months, we’ve experienced a substantial increase in those seeking support with their mental health and we continue to help those who are struggling financially. Our support for those facing money problems really is vital right now, especially for those who are unable to benefit from the Government’s furlough scheme and are left in financial limbo. Of course, the impact of the current situation is likely to continue to have an effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Our online and digital support is also crucial because we can help even more people who reach out to us due to Covid-19. These are really tough times for many in our industry, but we’re here, providing the relevant support that automotive people need right now. After all, this is what Ben’s here for.”
For more information about how Ben can help and to access online support, visit www.ben.org.uk/coronavirus.
To spread the word about Ben’s support across your channels, visit its new Toolkit which has some shareable digital assets: https://publications.ben.org.uk/toolkit. This will be further developed on a regular basis.