Automotive industry charity, Ben, is supporting the health and wellbeing of automotive industry people during this challenging time.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
