This Loneliness Awareness Week (15-21 June), automotive charity Ben is calling on automotive people to come together, look out for one another and reach out for support, so that no-one has to face loneliness alone.
Millions of people across the UK experience loneliness, yet many never speak about it and Ben’s latest insights found that 31% of automotive workers have experienced loneliness.
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “At Ben, we are here for the health and wellbeing of automotive people, for life. Loneliness is rarely just loneliness; it often sits alongside stress, money worries, low mood, problems sleeping or a relationship under strain. Whatever someone is facing, they do not have to face it alone, and reaching out early can make all the difference.
“Our free and confidential helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and our specialist health and wellbeing services are here for anyone who works, or has worked, in automotive, and their family.
“If you are struggling, please reach out. You can call our team on 0808 131 1333 or get help at www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.”
Ben has found that many are looking for meaningful human connection beyond transactional or professional relationships.
They want somewhere to connect with like-minded people, share successes, exchange ideas, navigate challenges together, support one another, make friends and give back to the wider automotive family.
Ben took its pop-up pub concept, The Benevolent, to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show at the Birmingham NEC earlier this month.
The Benevolent gave people the chance to stop, talk and connect over a drink, a quiz or a game of darts.
In busy workshops, showrooms and forecourts, the everyday moments to check in with one another are being lost.
Ellen Plumer, head of awareness & experience at Ben, said: “The Benevolent really struck a chord at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show. People told us, again and again, how much it meant to have somewhere to stop, talk honestly and feel part of something. That response is shaping our thinking.
“This Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to keep the conversation going, and we would love automotive people to get involved and hear more about our plans: www.ben.org.uk/community.”
