52% of Ben helpline users concerned about mental health

The automotive industry charity Ben is extending its digital, telephone and face-to-face mental health services. Ben says the extension will offer “more choice for individuals seeking support with mental health and wellbeing issues including stress, anxiety and depression.” The expansion responds to its latest insights about the needs of automotive industry people. Mental health is the most common reason why people reach out to Ben for support, with 52 per cent contacting its helpline last year due to concerns with their mental health. Ben adds that its new services will help it to reach and support more people in the automotive industry.

Ben’s new digital platform is designed to provide easier access and convenience for those who choose to receive support this way. It will support people with issues such as managing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as commonly associated issues like money worries or sleeping difficulties. Ben adds that the platform will be extended to support people with their wellbeing, lifestyle and building personal resilience, with specific programmes including mindfulness.

Ben will continue to provide information, advice and guidance through its helpline and support services, but will also have a dedicated, specialist team focusing on delivering mental health support, including in-house delivery of a mental health assessment service. Ben’s online self-help, provided through its website and via email, will continue to provide useful, preventative and relevant tips, advice and tools on topics including mental health.

Ben offers a free and confidential helpline service to speak to a trained advisor, who may then refer them to a case manager. When someone contacts Ben about their mental health, their needs are assessed and a tailored action plan is developed to support them. This involves focusing on solutions, as well as monitoring and measuring both progress and positive outcomes.

As well as the many benefits for individuals, automotive industry employers that work with Ben through Ben4Business are assured that all their employees have access to Ben’s mental health support. Currently, one in three referrals contacting Ben’s helpline for support come from Ben4Business employers. For employers wanting to find out more about working with Ben through Ben4Business and referring an employee for support, visit Ben’s website.

Rachel Clift, health & wellbeing director at Ben, said: “We’re delighted to be increasing and enhancing our mental health services for automotive people. Our new digital services will enable us to support even more people and the extension of our services will offer individuals more informed choice and control in how they receive support for their mental health.

“In addition to this, automotive employers can feel assured that their employees have access to a range of support options which are free and confidential. So whether you’re an individual struggling with your own mental health, or an employer worried about an employee, please don’t put off getting in touch with us.”

Ben’s free, confidential support is offered to anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents.