Putting food on the table. Filling your car at the pump. Heating your home. All of these everyday essentials are becoming more expensive, while our household incomes are not necessarily increasing to reflect these price rises. This has led to what is now being referred to as a ‘cost of living crisis’ here in the UK.
With interest rates rising, fuel costs soaring and the impact of global unrest starting to affect our bank balances, for a huge number of people it is becoming more difficult to make ends meet each month.
Ben, the automotive industry charity, has found in its most recent health and wellbeing survey that 1 in 5 people in the automotive community are currently struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Ben is starting to see a significant increase in people reaching out to the charity for support – not just for help in managing their finances but also for support in dealing with the impact that financial insecurity has had on their mental health.
Each year, Ben supports many people who are struggling to make ends meet for all different kinds of reasons. In fact, worrying about money is one of the biggest reasons why people ask Ben for help. There are many ways that Ben can support people with their money worries – whether that’s through providing information, advice and guidance related to finances or debt, offering financial assistance, or providing emotional support when struggling with money impacts on someone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Those struggling with money worries can also sign up to SilverCloud – Ben’s free digital platform with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programs, which helps to improve health and wellbeing. Try the ‘Space from Money Worries’ program and just enter access code ‘ben‘ to get started. __https://ben.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
Ben has also put together a dedicated page on their website, giving ten top tips for how to reduce your cost of living – from weekly meal planning to reducing water wastage, shopping around for the cheapest fuel stations to reducing energy bills. Even if you’re feeling financially OK at the moment, it pays to start planning ahead in case money becomes an issue in the future.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “While we can’t alter the rising cost of living, there are many ways that Ben can make life easier for those struggling with financial troubles. Whether that’s making sure you know which benefits you may be entitled to, or helping you to manage your money in the short or longer term – we’re here to help.
“Many people suffer in silence because financial insecurity carries a lot of feelings of shame and low self-esteem. We often find that people wait until a struggle becomes a crisis before reaching out to Ben for help.
“Ben is here for everyone who works or has worked in the automotive community regardless of their circumstances. Our whole purpose is to help our automotive family to overcome life’s challenges – without judgment or prejudice. If you are worried about money, if you are in need of financial assistance or simply want reassurance that you’re prepared and in a good place financially, ready to weather the cost-of-living storm, please do get in touch. We have a team of specialists here, ready and waiting to help you.”
Check out the latest information, tools and resources available to guide you through your financial journey on the Money section of our website – https://ben.org.uk/how-we-help/for-me/money or call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm)
Remember if you or someone you know is struggling with this, or anything else – you can chat with us online, or call our free and confidential helpline on 0801 311 333 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm).
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
-ENDS-
Note to editors:
About Ben:
Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.
