Charity Ben reports coronavirus surge

Automotive industry charity Ben has seen a marked increase in the number of people seeking support since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

It has found that 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.

Ben provides mental health assessments, life coaching and telephone based counselling, as well as other talking therapies. Ben is also fast-tracking 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.

Ben is also 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 are also working with individuals to help with relevant solutions such as payment breaks for mortgage lenders, housing providers and utility bills. The team is supporting people to access relevant grants, as well as helping them maximise benefits they are entitled to.

Ben is giving 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.

While, Ben has now created a coronavirus hub on its website, with specially developed online tips, advice and tools now available, including: managing money; stress; and home working. 

Rachel Clift, health and well-being 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 well-being.

“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.”