Ben has revealed how it has been supporting the health and wellbeing of the automotive industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many now needing the charity’s help more than ever.
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 reportedly 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 expected grow as the full impact of Covid-19 unfolds.
Ben has been 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 has also fast-tracked 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 has been 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 has also been working with individuals to help with relevant solutions such as payment breaks for mortgage lenders, housing providers and utility bills. The team has also helped people access relevant grants, as well as ensuring they maximise the benefits they are entitled to.
Ben has also given 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 has been 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 and tools now available, including:
Ben will continue to develop relevant online tips, advice and tools as well as promote them on its social media channels, and through 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.
“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.”
