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Charity Ben Extends Lifeline To Automotive Families Facing Financial Hardship
Automotive industry charity, Ben, is highlighting the assistance it offers to automotive workers and their families facing financial difficulties. With ongoing cost-of-living challenges, Ben provides crucial support to many automotive families who might otherwise face tough choices like buying food or paying essential bills.
Over the past year, Ben’s helpline has handled nearly 16,000 enquiries and issued over 600 financial grants to those in need. Additionally, Ben’s support services team has offered financial advice and guidance to hundreds of individuals in the automotive sector, helping them manage their finances and cope with the broader impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The demand for Ben’s services has risen by more than 15% in the past year. Financial worries often affect mental health and wellbeing. According to Ben’s research, 7 out of 10 people in the automotive community worry about money, leading to anxiety, low mood, and depression. The number of people concerned about finances has grown annually (from 6 in 10), with debt rising by 3% (19% to 22%), inability to budget increasing by 12% (14% to 26%), and skipping meals up by 6% (10% to 16%).
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, stated: "Cost-of-living pressures are still having a significant effect on many people in our automotive family. As a parent myself, I know that families now face the added costs that the summer holidays bring, as well as the back-to-school expenses. This is why we need to make sure everyone in our automotive industry knows that Ben is here for them."
Families who have received support from Ben have shared their gratitude: "Ben’s support has been amazing, thank you for making a real difference in our household. You have absolutely no idea how much this has meant to us after the year we’ve had." Another family expressed: "The food vouchers will make an amazing difference to the whole family. It’s been a long road this year. Although we’ve had lows, you’ve given us some great highs, especially for the family. You have been a great support." A third testimonial reads: "Thank you, I’m feeling rather overwhelmed. It will help a great deal and I am very grateful."
With summer holidays approaching, parents face additional costs during this period along with back-to-school expenses such as uniforms and PE kits. Ben urges automotive families not to struggle alone but to reach out for help.
How to Get Help
If you’re worried about affording groceries or bills and how it affects your mental or physical health, contact Ben immediately. Rachel Clift emphasised: "If you’re worrying about how you’re going to afford your food shop or your bills and the effect this is having on your mental or physical health, please get in touch. You’re not alone; Ben’s here for you. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can help you get back on track."
Ben supports those working or who have worked in the automotive industry along with their dependents. If you're struggling or at breaking point, contact their free confidential helpline at 08081 311 333 or use their webchat at www.ben.org.uk.
You can also access Ben’s out-of-hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258. For tips, advice and tools from Ben sign up at www.ben.org.uk/signup and for online financial support visit www.ben.org.uk/money.
Ben is dedicated to aiding individuals within the automotive industry through life's challenges by offering tailored support options addressing various aspects of life.
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