Category: Charity

1. Stress is biggest issue for automotive industry people - according to Ben’s latest survey results

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 13th Apr 2023

   It’s Stress Awareness Month, and automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing results from its latest health and wellbeing survey, in which most automotive workers identified stress as the biggest issue they are struggling with.

   Over 1,000 automotive employees took part in the survey from all UK regions, ages, gender and working environments. A total of 66% of respondents said stress had most affected their health and wellbeing, followed by poor sleep and low mood, both at 62%.

   The survey also revealed that the proportion of people suffering from stress in the workplace has increased by 8% year on year, with ‘high workloads’, ‘pressure to meet targets’ and ‘not enough staff’ driving this. The survey also reveals that there has been an increase in people affected by ‘poor work-life balance’ and ‘not taking enough time to rest and relax’.

   Read survey results report
   Read a summary report of the results here: https://www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2023

   The survey also revealed that poor sleep has increased from 49% to 62% - which perhaps isn’t surprising given the increase in stress levels of those surveyed. Around 92% of people also reported their cost-of-living had increased compared with a year ago and those struggling to make ends meet has increased by 10% (18%>28%). In addition, worryingly, 1 in 10 people said they have skipped meals in response to the rising cost of bills.

   Respondents were also asked to highlight the issues most likely to impact them over the next 12 months. The top three issues mentioned were the cost-of-living crisis (52%), supply chain shortage e.g. chips - semiconductors (33%) and staff shortages (31%). These issues are likely to be contributing to the stress levels of those working in the automotive industry.

   The survey is in its sixth year, with the aim of uncovering the key health and wellbeing issues currently affecting the automotive industry workforce so Ben can continue to provide relevant support now and in the future.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “With it being Stress Awareness Month, it is very timely that we’re sharing our latest survey results, especially as the findings tell us that stress is presenting as a real area of concern for our automotive workforce. Through our annual surveys, we listen to our automotive family so we can fully understand the health & wellbeing issues they are facing, enabling us to provide the support they need.

   “In addition to stress being the biggest issue, it’s clear to see that automotive workers are also under more pressure and aren’t taking enough time to rest and relax outside of work. There are also some worrying trends relating to the cost-of-living crisis, such as skipping meals. In light of these results, we want everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry to know that we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling.

   “We’re also here for employers too, so if you’re worried about stress in your workplace, please do reach out and connect, emailing [email protected] to discuss how Ben can support your organisation and the health and wellbeing of your employees.”

   If you’re feeling stressed and would like some tips and advice, visit www.ben.org.uk/stress.

   Ben is here to support the lifeblood of the automotive industry, its people. 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

2. Ben provides support during National Careers Week and highlights why people enjoy working in automotive

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 7th Mar 2023

   • This National Careers Week, Ben is promoting its career-related support for those in the automotive industry 
   • Ben is also shining a spotlight on why people enjoy working in the automotive industry 
   • The charity explores what the future holds for automotive in thought leadership piece

   This National Careers Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is promoting its support for those who are job hunting or looking to progress in their career.

   Ben’s support services team can provide one-to-one support for people in the following ways:

   • Practical support for people who are looking for work
   • Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits 
   • Access to Ben’s free Life Coaching service by registering online and completing a short self-referral form. Whether it’s progressing their career, improving their lifestyle, or simply boosting self-confidence, Ben’s team of Life Coaches can help make those goals a reality
   • Access to Ben’s digital platform, Silvercloud, with a programme on building personal resilience.

   Ben also has a range of work-related tips, advice and tools online to help people get back on track in their career or make the changes they want. The online tools (available at www.ben.org.uk/work) offer guidance and self-help resources on the following areas: 

   • Creating or updating a CV 
   • Writing a cover letter 
   • Job seeking
   • Finding the right job
   • Identifying transferable skills
   • Preparing for interviews.

   Ben is also shining a spotlight on what it’s like to work in automotive by sharing real quotes from people about why they joined the industry and what they enjoy about it:  

   “The industry never stands still - constant challenge, opportunity, innovation.” 

   “The current industry transformation is very exciting.”

   “I like the variety. Every customer has different requests and problems that need to be satisfied.” 

   In light of the changes happening in the industry, Ben is also exploring what the future holds for the automotive industry in a thought leadership piece by Matt Wigginton, Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income: www.ben.org.uk/futureautomotive.  

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re here to help and support automotive people working in the industry, including those who are looking to the future, interested in progressing their career or improving their working lives. We can provide information, advice and guidance for job-seeking, CV building and interview skills and be there to support people through any career-related changes. Work is a very important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing financial security, work provides us with social connectedness and builds confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.”

   Ben is always there for those who are struggling or in crisis too. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them. 

3. Motorcycling couple from Carmarthenshire on the road raising funds for SSAFA

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 2nd Mar 2023

   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.

    

    

   

4. Ben prepares for Blue Monday with official launch of new text support service

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 12th Jan 2023

   • 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.

5. Automotive industry unites at Ben Ball 2022 to raise over £120,000 in life-saving funds for those in need

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 15th Dec 2022

   Over 600 guests attended Ben Ball 2022 for a spectacular evening which raised over £120,000 in vital life-saving funds to support members of the automotive community who are struggling or in crisis.