Automotive charity, Ben, is now providing support to industry people who have lost their jobs and who are at risk of losing their jobs.
Ben has seen a 52% increase in requests for support from April-September this year, which shows the impact that Covid-19 has had on the health and wellbeing of automotive industry people. In response to the challenges being faced by the industry, Ben has extended its services to provide much-needed support during these uncertain times. 
As part of the new extended support, Ben is focusing on ‘Work, Health and Wellbeing’ and has developed online tools (available at www.ben.org.uk/work) as well as providing one-to-one support.
Ben’s new online tools offer guidance and self-help resources in the following areas:
- Creating or updating a CV
- Preparing for interviews
- Finding the right job
- Job searching.
Ben’s support services team are providing 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 digital platform, Silvercloud, and access to Ben’s Life-coaching programme to help improve confidence and motivation, which are commonly affected during periods of uncertainty related to employment
- Signposting and linking affected individuals to third party support, including specialist recruitment consultants, as well as a free 3-month membership to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) which provides training, resources and useful industry information.
Over the past few months, Ben has seen an increase in the number of people seeking support because of money worries, as well as concerns about job losses and employment.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said:
“This has been an incredibly tough time for our industry and its people. The pandemic has left many people’s futures uncertain, so in response, we have extended our services to provide the relevant support. We are helping automotive people to cope with their current employment situation, look to the future, as well as providing information, advice and guidance for job-seeking, CV building and interview skills.
“Work is a very important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing the financial security we all need, work provides us with social connections and helps us build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
“We’re also very excited to be partnering with some fantastic organisations as part of this initiative to offer additional support to job seekers, including the IMI. We wish to thank our partners for their generous support which will make such a difference to people who are struggling right now.
“We want the industry and its people to know that Ben is here for them and can provide the support they need. These are really uncertain and testing times for many, but our new services can help provide the relevant support that automotive people need right now.”
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI added:
“The IMI is doing all it can to support people working in the industry at this challenging time. We are, therefore, delighted to be able to add our new 3-month free trial membership offer to the Ben Work, Health and Wellbeing services. We know from the last few months that being part of the wider automotive community through IMI membership has helped many. Access to technical expertise and online learning tools, as well as topical information and practical training opportunities which should help those facing a change in their working circumstances to stay on top of the skills that will put them in the best position for new roles.”
Further support from Ben:
- Coronavirus hub
Ben’s ‘Coronavirus hub’ provides relevant online support for people during these challenging times: ben.org.uk/coronavirus - Tips, advice & tools to your inbox
Individuals can sign up to receive regular tips, advice & tools from Ben via email: ben.org.uk/signup - Shareable digital assets to promote Ben’s support
To spread the word about Ben’s support across your internal and external channels, visit this Toolkit: publications.ben.org.uk - Helpline
If you need Ben’s support, call 08081 311 333, email supportservices@ben.org.uk or chat online at www.ben.org.uk.
