This Loneliness Awareness Week, Ben is bringing the automotive community closer together
Automotive industry charity, Ben, is calling on automotive people to come together, look out for one another and reach out for support, so that no-one has to face loneliness alone.
Research shows that millions of people across the UK experience loneliness, yet many never speak about it and Ben’s latest insights found that 31% of automotive workers have experienced loneliness. These figures suggest that loneliness, isolation and emotional pressure remain significant (and often hidden) challenges for people, especially across the automotive sector.
From running businesses and managing teams to long working hours, financial worries and everyday pressures, many people in the industry are carrying on without the friendships, support networks and sense of community that help make life more manageable and enjoyable.
Now, Ben is encouraging automotive people to build community in the everyday, by checking in on a colleague, starting an honest conversation and reaching out when things feel heavy.
From speaking to and supporting automotive people every day, Ben has found that many are looking for more meaningful human connection beyond purely transactional or professional relationships. They want somewhere to connect with like-minded people, share successes, exchange ideas, navigate challenges together, support one another, make friends and give back to the wider automotive family. And when connection alone is not enough, Ben’s free and confidential helpline is here, every day, for anyone who needs to talk.
Reach out, you’re not alone
If you, or someone you work with, is struggling with loneliness, Ben’s free and confidential helpline is here for you: www.ben.org.uk/gethelp
Earlier this month, Ben took its pop-up pub concept, The Benevolent, to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show at the Birmingham NEC. The idea was simple: give people the chance to stop, talk and connect over a drink, a quiz or a game of darts. It also made a serious point. In busy workshops, showrooms and forecourts, the everyday moments to check in with one another are being lost. As the charity for the automotive sector, Ben wanted to shine a light on that and is now looking at how to create the space, in person and online, for automotive people to talk and look out for each other.
Ellen Plumer, Head of Awareness & Experience at Ben, said: “The Benevolent really struck a chord at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show. People told us, again and again, how much it meant to have somewhere to stop, talk honestly and feel part of something. That response is shaping our thinking. This Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to keep the conversation going, and we would love automotive people to get involved and hear more about our plans: www.ben.org.uk/community.”
Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben, said: “At Ben, we are here for the health and wellbeing of automotive people, for life. Loneliness is rarely just loneliness; it often sits alongside stress, money worries, low mood, problems sleeping or a relationship under strain. Whatever someone is facing, they do not have to face it alone, and reaching out early can make all the difference.
“Our free and confidential helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and our specialist health and wellbeing services are here for anyone who works, or has worked, in automotive, and their family. If you are struggling, please reach out. You can call our team on 0808 131 1333 or get help at www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.”
Ben is encouraging everyone in the industry to check in on a colleague, start a conversation, and reach out for support if they need it.
Reach out, you’re not alone
Ben’s free and confidential helpline is here for anyone in automotive who needs support: www.ben.org.uk/gethelp
Ben has supported automotive people and their families since 1905 and the charity’s support services are free, confidential and available to anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. Find further support here:
Loneliness tips and advice: www.ben.org.uk/loneliness
Get help from Ben: www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.