Automotive industry charity Ben has revealed new details about its two major events of the year: Ben’s Big Breakfast and Ben Ball.

These events aim to raise £150,000 to support Ben’s life-saving services for individuals in the automotive industry who are facing difficulties or crises.

Scheduled to coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10, Ben’s Big Breakfast encourages the automotive community to organise breakfast gatherings during the week of October 7-13.

Recent research by Ben indicates that 1 in 4 people in the automotive sector struggle with mental health, and 29% experience loneliness and the Big Breakfast provides an excellent opportunity for colleagues to connect over coffee or breakfast.

Matt Wigginton, director of partnerships, engagement & income at Ben, said: “Breakfast is definitely the best meal of the day and our Big Breakfast is an easy way to raise funds, as well as being a great opportunity to get people together.

"Having a chat over a cuppa can make such a difference - some people are suffering in silence right now, thinking they have no-one to turn to. So get involved, have some fun and connect with your colleagues, all while raising vital funds for your charity.”

Ben also announced the entertainment for this year’s 1920s themed Ben Ball, supported by AutoTrader. The event will feature a Great Gatsby experience by the Electro Swing Project, known for their spectacular performances on London’s West End. This year’s show, supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts, will include aerial performers, acrobats, dancers, and West End singers.

Wigginton added: “We’re very excited to announce our entertainment for Ben Ball 2024, which will embrace a roaring ’20s theme and is set to be a night of glitz, glamour and vintage charm. The Electro Swing Project wowed our Ben Ball audience back in 2020 with an incredible Greatest Showman performance, so we can’t wait to welcome them back to Ben Ball 2024 to perform their Great Gatsby show! It’s going to be an incredible night, so don’t miss out!

“Ben is on a mission to help more people each year; three times as many by 2030. That’s a bold ambition, but one we know we can achieve with the help of our industry. Events like this are crucial - and these are our two biggest events of the year, so we hope you’ll join us and make a real difference to the lives of those in our automotive family.”