BEN, the automotive industry charity, has reported a 17% increase in the number of people contacting the organisation for help in the last year, with a 34% increase in dedicated helpline calls. 

BEN’s chief operating officer Nigel Rothband said: “The surge in calls to BEN over the last year demonstrates both that people are aware of the support that we can offer but also that there is a lot of help still needed. The results of the strategic review of our services, taking into account feedback from the industry, will allow us to better meet the needs of the most vulnerable individuals.

“Our hopes for 2015 are that we help even more of those in our industry who are in need and that awareness of BEN and its services continue to grow. To provide this support, it is vital that BEN continues to receive the industry support it so desperately relies on.  By working with us as a strategic partner, companies can ensure that we continue to provide this vital help plus sustain the productivity and wellbeing of our entire community. Together we can, and will, make a difference.”

In line with this increase in demand, during 2014 the charity further developed its services for the automotive industry, by carrying out a strategic review of BEN’s essential services to ensure they remain flexible for the challenges faced by the automotive community both now and in the future.

This has led to a number of initiatives across the organisation, from creating new corporate charity partnerships with a focus on innovative fundraising schemes and the re-launch of BEN’s website which now benefits users with a greater focus on the services the charity provides and easier routes to accessing help.

The news of increased calls comes as BEN prepares for the opening of the Lynwood Care Centre and Lynwood Village retirement complex in Spring 2015.

The redevelopment of the Lynwood Care Centre, a brand new replacement care centre near Ascot, is part of BEN’s care strategy to revitalise and expand all of its facilities and care services. Specialising in dementia care, the new Lynwood Care Centre has 96 bedrooms, with facilities for people at different stages of their illness, as well as a dedicated house for younger, physically disabled adults.