Automotive charity Ben is urging people working in the industry to get in contact after seeing a jump in the number of requests for help from those struggling with money worries and debt due to the cost of living crisis.

The charity reports that more people than ever before are contacting its helpline and that between April and June alone there was a 23% increase in enquiries and a 20% increase in support cases year-on-year.

Over the last 12 months, Ben has supported 128 households who couldn’t afford food, 66 households who couldn’t pay housing costs and 52 households who couldn’t afford utility bills.

“People aren’t only struggling to make ends meet, they are also struggling with their mental health,” said the charity.

Rachel Clift, health and wellbeing director at Ben, said: “Many individuals and families are being pushed to the edge with the current rising cost of living. It’s also impacting other areas of their health and wellbeing so if you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry please get in touch now if you’re struggling or feeling at breaking point..”

Ben supports those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry together with their families who can contact the charity through a free and confidential helpline 08081 311 333, its webchat at www.ben.org.uk or via an out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 58258.

For employers interested in working in partnership with Ben, or who would be interested in discussing health and wellbeing support for employees contact rachel.clift@ben.org.uk.