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Category: Organisations
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A motorcycling husband and wife from Ammanford presented a cheque for £360 to the South West Wales region of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity following the couple’s annual “Santa on a Bike” fundraiser. 
The two-wheeled sleigh that Beerhounds Club members Bryan and Petra O'Leary use to deliver hundreds of chocolate selection boxes in return for a donation each December is a 2004 Honda Goldwing GL1800. A deep red, it goes well with the Santa costumes that Petra makes for their delivery rides through Carmarthenshire. It also looks pretty snazzy with the 200 Christmas lights Bryan adds for some festive flair.
However, Petra’s skills with a sewing machine are perhaps only to be expected for she is a seamstress and works at the world-famous Corgi Hosiery site in Ammanford. Bryan, too, puts his professional skills to use, because when not devising a delivery schedule and planning a route for their two-wheel festive fundraising, he can be found driving a refuse lorry for Carmarthenshire County Council.
Bryan says: “Neither of us have any military service ourselves, but we have a lot of friends who do, and there’s a great crossover between the military and biking communities, so it seemed like an obvious idea to do some good.”
Petra adds: “SSAFA’s been around a long time – nearly 140 years – and has helped generations of servicemen and women, veterans, and their families in that time, so we know that the money donated will go towards supporting them when, where, and how they need it.”
The Branch Secretary of SSAFA South West Wales, Paul Amor, says: “The response they get when they are out delivering is fantastic and we are really grateful for having their support.”
And while a long time until Christmas 2023, if on the roads in Carmarthenshire in December you spot Mr and Mrs Claus on a red Honda Goldwing, give them a friendly wave.
To learn how to volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or how to access its services, visit ssafa.org.uk/south-west-wales.
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- In advance of Blue Monday on 16th January, Ben launches new text support service
- Free and confidential support available around the clock for those struggling or in crisis
- Ben is always there for the automotive community – day or night 24/7
January is a tough month for those struggling with their mental health. The festivities are over, it’s a long time until payday and our social media feeds are flooded with everyone we know declaring that ‘this is my year’ and that 2023 will bring a ‘new year, new me’. For some, the new year can indeed feel like a new opportunity, but for others the forced positivity that a new year brings can feel like additional pressure, a difficult standard to live up to.
Ben, the automotive industry charity, regularly sees an increase in demand for support in the winter months and, with Blue Monday fast approaching, has launched a new text service to ensure people who are struggling or in crisis can access free and confidential help any time they need it, day or night.
The text service offers support outside of Ben’s helpline hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm), in partnership with Shout. If you need support outside of Ben’s helpline hours, you can simply text the word BEN to 85258. You will then receive four automated messages which will connect you to the next available trained professional who will support you. You will then be able to chat over text about what is troubling you - be it feeling anxious, having relationship issues, experiencing problems with addiction or gambling, feeling lonely, low in mood or depression, dealing with bullying, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Whatever is on your mind, the Ben team is on hand 24/7 to listen and help you to reach a calmer and safer place and figure out a plan for how to move forward.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We are delighted to be launching our text service in advance of Blue Monday as we know this will be a hugely valuable new resource for people who need our help. The fact that people can now contact us and receive support at any time, day or night, means that we can offer potentially life-saving support to our automotive family who may be struggling or in crisis.
“Sometimes people prefer to text rather than speak on the phone, it can be easier to share how we truly feel, to chat discretely if there are others in earshot, or to talk about things that are causing us shame or embarrassment over text rather than having to say them out loud. Our existing webchat during the day and now a dedicated out of hours text support service gives our community another way of accessing vital help and may make a crucial difference to someone who is thinking of harming themselves or taking more drastic action in a time of crisis. We want people to know that we are here, any time, for a judgment-free, confidential chat.”
Between 8pm – 8am you can text BEN to 85258 free and anonymously from all major UK networks – to find out more about Ben’s text support service, visit www.ben.org.uk/get-help/ben-s-text-support-service
Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you would benefit from some support or if someone you know might need us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333, use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk or text BEN to 58258.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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A symbolic procession of 5986 motorbikes took to the M60 around Stockport on Remembrance Sunday to create a Ring of Red, with bikers paying their respects to the Armed Forces both past and present.
Ring of Red M60 chose Greater Manchester veterans charity, Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year with donations and merchandise sales going towards training and mentoring veterans into new careers as HGV drivers.
Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright led the ride out in a truck dedicated to his friend and former soldier Jamie Doyle, who served 22 years in the Royal Artillery but was tragically found dead at home, being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army.
Jamie’s mum, Jayne, and daughter Ellie sat with Darren in the truck, keeping Jamie’s memory alive.
The weather was perfect, and bikers wore red to create a poignant visual display, emulating a poppy, as they respectfully joined the M60. It took an hour and 17 minutes for marshals to stagger all the bikes off the forecourt and the camaraderie was on point throughout the day. The Last Post played as the bikers took to the motorway on gleaming bikes adorned with flags and poppies, followed by military vehicles.
The roar of the bikes was immense and the cacophony of engines revving and horns honking was spectacular as crowds congregated on the motorway bridges to wave and cheer on the thousands and thousands of bikers.
Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright said: “It was deeply moving and very special to lead the Ring of Red M60 Ride of Respect. It meant a lot for me to show Jayne and Ellie the love and appreciation felt for veterans and all those who have fallen, including Jamie.
“It was overwhelming to be part of and I would like to thank organiser Netty Kiely and her team for choosing Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year.
“Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We know they still have so much to offer future employers after leaving the military and we upskill them and help them find secure and sustainable employment.” 
Veterans into Logistics Trustee and Biker, Heidi Chapman, who rides a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, said: “It was an honour to ride behind Darren Wright and the Veterans into Logistics truck, named in the memory of Jamie Doyle.
“It was a truly special day to lead over 5800 bikers around the M60, symbolising all that the poppy and Remembrance Day stand for.”
Ring of Red M60 event organiser, Netty Kiely said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Ring of Red Remembrance Ride and showing their respect. It's been our pleasure to support Veterans into Logistics this year.
“I couldn't have done this without my committee, volunteers and all the staff at Moto Birch Services.
“It was overwhelming to see so many, at one point queuing past junction 19 trying to get into the services. We had them waiting in the carpark side due to running out of lanes, then when the first five lanes left, we filled them again!
“It was incredible to have our highest turn out yet – with 5986 bikes! Roll on next year!”
Netty and her team now have a well-earned two weeks off before planning and preparation starts for next year’s Ride of Respect which will be the ten-year anniversary.
With numbers increasing year on year, if anyone can make 2023’s event even more incredible, then Netty can!
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Veterans into Logistics, are a non-profit organisation formed to provide training and support to change the lives of ex-forces, individuals with convictions and any other vulnerable people who need help to gain HGV licences and support into paid employment.
|Ther mission is to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry.
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Veterans into Logistics, a Greater Manchester based charity that trains veterans into new careers as HGV drivers has been chosen as Ring of Red M60’s charity of the year 2022. 
This year’s annual Remembrance Sunday Ride of Respect takes place on Sunday 13th November and all bikers will wear something red to form a spectacular red poppy around Manchester when viewed from above the M60. Organiser, Jeanette ‘Netty’ Kiely said: “It has become a hugely popular physical show of support for the Armed Forces, both past and present. We are delighted to support Veterans into Logistics this year through donations from the sale of our merchandise, as every year we create Ring of Red M60 commemorative merchandise including T-shirts, flags and pin badges.”
Veterans into Logistics COO, Major Ian Battersby said: “We can’t wait to be part of this incredible event on Remembrance Sunday. Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We thank Ring of Red M60 for helping to highlight and support our work, with funds raised going towards training veterans into their new careers.”
The event will be led by Veterans into Logistics’ truck dedicated to Jamie Doyle who served 22 years in The Royal Artillery. He was found dead at home, tragically being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army. In 2020, Veterans into Logistics was formed, purchasing their first HGV training vehicle and naming it in memory of Jamie.
Last year 4,400 bikers participated in the Ride of Respect, and this year organisers invite riders to turn up at MOTO Birch Services Westbound from 9am for the ride-out starting at 1pm. The event ends as the bikers return to MOTO Birch Services Eastbound, followed by an invitation to come together at Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club where there will be military vehicles on display, a Veterans into Logistics merchandise stall and refreshments.
Riders come from across the country to take part in what has fast become a staple in thousands of bikers’ calendars, and they prepare their bikes months in advance to take part in the striking display.
Look out for the amazing aerial photos on Veterans into Logistics’ and Ring of Red M60’s social media pages.
For more information on Veterans into Logistics, visit: www.veteransintologistics.org.uk 
Veterans into Logistics, is a non-profit organisation formed to provide training and support to change the lives of ex-forces, individuals with convictions and any other vulnerable people who need help to gain HGV licences and support into paid employment.
 
The mission is to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry.
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- Ben and Wellonomics partner to produce pioneering wellbeing app and web portal
- BenWell enables employees to measure their wellbeing in real-time and gives employers timely insight into mental and physical health of their team
- Personalised resources are provided to each individual, tailored to their wellbeing needs
To mark the beginning of World Wellbeing Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is proud to announce the nationwide launch of BenWell – its pioneering new wellbeing platform, developed specifically for the automotive industry in partnership with Wellonomics.
Underpinning BenWell is an insight-led app and web portal which automotive businesses can use to take the emotional and physical temperature of their team, enabling companies to better support their employees with their wellbeing.
Each month, employees spend less than 10 minutes answering questions across six key personal wellbeing areas, and five management areas. Once completed, their personal dashboard gives a real-time view of their wellbeing and offers tailored support and guidance from experts in each area, accessed via mobile, tablet or desktop.
From an employer perspective, individual survey results are anonymised but, by tracking key wellbeing indicators via the dashboard, employers get a real time overview of how their employees are feeling about life at home and work, taking the guesswork out of wellbeing and enabling them to be proactive in their response.
If any potential wellbeing issues are identified, employers can create targeted solutions that address their people’s needs, building greater employee satisfaction, retention and productivity for the business.
Ben has been working on the development of this platform since 2021 with wellbeing data specialists Wellonomics, and the new BenWell platform will now be rolled out to automotive businesses across the UK.
In addition to the app and web portal, the complete BenWell package also includes:
- Access to printed wellbeing documentation on a wide range of topics for use around the workplace
- Access to HR Manager Lite from Lawgistics – a HR and compliance platform designed for automotive employers that might not have their own HR function
- Access to a portfolio of Ben Training courses to help teams build self-awareness and good habits that promote resilient mental health
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “For over 115 years, Ben has been on the front line of the automotive industry, supporting members of our automotive family through the toughest times of their lives. And in 2022, we know that this support is needed more than ever before.
“Our most recent industry survey showed us that 94% of automotive workers have been personally affected by a health and wellbeing issue in the last 12 months. That figure is astonishing. Not only does this mean our automotive colleagues have been struggling, it also means that businesses are suffering too. Employee absence, reductions in productivity, low team morale – all of these things are caused by wellbeing issues and ultimately affect the health of your business.
“By partnering with data specialists Wellonomics, we have combined our unique insight into the automotive community with industry-leading technology to produce a platform that we truly believe will help to improve the wellbeing of the automotive family as a whole. We encourage employers to find out more about BenWell and explore the many ways it can help the people in your business who most need it.”
Glen Thurgood, CEO at Wellonomics shared: “It is a real honour to partner with Ben and the product of our successful collaboration is BenWell. We are enormously excited as BenWell is officially launched today and sincerely look forward to being of service to all businesses and people within the automotive family.”
For more information about BenWell click here.
And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling - you can chat with us online, or call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 (Mon- Fri 8am - 8pm).
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
About Ben:
Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.
Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.
Ben also operates continuing care and support for those in later life, which isn’t dependent on an automotive industry connection, via its residential care centres, day centre and retirement village. www.ben.org.uk.
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