There has been a 50% rise in people contacting Ben, the automotive industry charity, about their mental health.

During October to December 2016, mental health concerns accounted for 20% of total enquiries, in comparison to 10% from July to September 2016.

During the quarter, mental health was the second biggest reason why people contacted Ben for help, compared with the previous quarter when concerns about physical health featured the most. 

This is believed to be due to increased awareness raised during Ben’s mental health campaign period, from October to December 2016, which culminated in the organisation’s first ever national industry fundraising event, Hats on 4 Mental Health Day.

The impact report also shows that over half (52%) of requests for help were from people concerned about their finances, an increase on last quarter’s figure, 49%.

During the quarter, Ben’s payroll giving team visited 148 dealerships, delivered 748 presentations to 2,761 employees in the industry, resulting in a total of £26,000 new payroll pledges. 

View the full update.

Zara Ross, Ben’s chief executive, said:  “Our latest quarterly Impact update outlines the reasons why people contacted Ben during October to December last year.

“We believe our Hats on 4 Mental Health campaign highlighted that it’s OK to talk about mental health and that we’re here to listen, so this was why we received a significant increase in requests for help. This confirms just how important Ben’s wellbeing campaigns are in raising awareness and of course it highlights how Ben’s services can support industry colleagues. 

“As ever, these updates provide powerful data that informs the industry of the key issues affecting its workforce.

"Financial health continues to be the biggest concern for our industry’s people and the numbers of these enquiries grow every quarter.

"Ben is an integral partner to companies in the industry, using the information from our reports to provide the relevant training and advice services to employees.

"We are helping equip both managers and employees with the tools they need to stay fit for business and fit for life, therefore adding value to the industry by reducing absence, improving productivity and raising morale.

“We also provide this information directly to Ben’s supporters as it helps them stay informed about our work which they generously support. Without our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to provide these vital services to those who really need them. Thank you for your support.”