Ben sees mental health concerns double

Ben has reported a 50% rise in people contacting the charity with mental health concerns.

Figures from the fourth quarter of last year showed that mental health issues made up 20% of all enquiries, compared to 10% from July to September.

Financial issues remained the top concern, making up 52% of all enquiries, although the increase in the number of mental health calls made it the second biggest reason people contact the charity. This could be attributed to a rising awareness of the issue following Ben’s mental health campaign, which run from October to December and culminated in the organisation’s first ever national industry fundraising event, Hats on 4 Mental Health Day.

Zara Ross, Ben’s chief executive, said, ‘Our latest quarterly Impact update outlines the reasons why people contacted Ben during October to December last year. We believe our Hats on 4 Mental Health campaign highlighted that it’s OK to talk about mental health and that we’re here to listen, so this was why we received a significant increase in requests for help. This confirms just how important Ben’s wellbeing campaigns are in raising awareness and of course it highlights how Ben’s services can support industry colleagues.

‘As ever, these updates provide powerful data that informs the industry of the key issues affecting its workforce. Financial health continues to be the biggest concern for our industry’s people and the numbers of these enquiries grow every quarter.

‘Ben is an integral partner to companies in the industry, using the information from our reports to provide the relevant training and advice services to employees. We are helping equip both managers and employees with the tools they need to stay fit for business and fit for life, therefore adding value to the industry by reducing absence, improving productivity and raising morale.

‘We also provide this information directly to Ben’s supporters as it helps them stay informed about our work which they generously support. Without our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to provide these vital services to those who really need them. Thank you for your support.’

Ben’s impact report showed that, during the quarter, Ben’s payroll giving team visited 148 dealerships, delivered 748 presentations to 2,761 employees in the industry, resulting in a total of £26,000 new payroll pledges.