Aftermarket September 2022

Rachel continued: “Just like cars, our bodies and minds will give us warning signals when something isn’t quite right or is not working as it should be. Rather than ignoring those flashing lights on our own dashboard, it’s important to take notice of them and try to resolve the reasons why warning signs are showing up before they become an even more challenging issue in our lives. “Working in the automotive industry, many of us take more seemingly minor risks than we should in our working environment. We lift heavy objects, we don’t always use gloves when handling objects that may damage our skin, we may spend chunks of the day lying on a concrete floor, or being on our feet for hours on end as well as contorting ourselves into uncomfortable positions for long periods of time to carry out our everyday jobs.” On how Ben can help, Rachel observed: “At Ben, we understand the impact it can have when we work our bodies so hard, and mental health issues are also more prevalent than ever in the industry, particularly due to the challenges of the pandemic and the ever-increasing rise in the cost of living. “Ben is taking a huge number of calls from people in the automotive community who are seeking support due to mental and physical burnout, made worse by money worries, but we know that many more are suffering in silence or brushing off the warning signals. “Ben wants to raise awareness about the many free tools and services that it offers to anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry, their families and dependents. Whether it’s taking Ben’s health and wellbeing MOT test, completing a Silvercloud online mental health programme, seeking support from a Ben Life Coach, or simply speaking to someone on our free and confidential Ben helpline. “Ben is also able to provide financial assistance and support for those who are struggling with managing their money or have money worries. There is also a wealth of information and resources on the Ben website. Help is available right now for those who need support. “ Rachel said: “Employers can also work with Ben to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, taking the first step by booking a free visit from the Ben team who can talk with employers about the services that would most benefit their colleagues.” 12 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net To register for a visit from Ben as part of their nationwide 2022 Ben on the Road tour, visit: https://ben.org.uk/benontheroad/?utm_source=S_Corp&u tm_medium=PR&utm_campaign Rachel added: “Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, call our free and confidential helpline from Monday- Friday, 8am - 8pm on 08081 311 333.” To chat with Ben online, go to: https://ben.org.uk/get- help/ Raising awareness Alongside physical health, good mental health is also vital for ongoing well-being. Mental health is also a major challenge for the automotive industry. It was with this in mind that Steve Whitton, Director of training business SSW Automotive, founded MENable to spark the conversation around mental health: “I've been in the car industry for more than 35 years, and in that time, I've seen lots of people with lots of issues. It's particularly rife among men, and I think it's particularly bad in men of a certain age group as well, those in their 40s to 60s.” Steve continued: “The seed for MENable started to grow the more conversations I had with colleagues in the industry, with everyone saying the same thing; ‘This problem is rife across the industry and men are among the most vulnerable’. “MENable creates networks and platforms to make it OK for men to discuss mental health in the automotive industry. Using social media to raise awareness, local ambassadors to provide initial support and resources such as videos, stories, keynote talks, workshops and coaching, to help individuals and businesses MENable also uses ambassadors and advocates to provide local support through their networks.” For more information, visit: https://menable.org/ Final thought Whether you are working in such a way that you are causing yourself physical harm, or you are ignoring warning signs about your wellbeing, speak to someone. Similarly, if you believe your staff are not taking proper care of themselves, speak to them. A mechanic who is off sick long-term can’t fix cars for your customers. In short, take care of yourselves and each other. Above: Ben wants to raise awareness about the many free tools and services that it offers, such as its Silvercloud online mental health programme