The automotive industry charity BEN is providing more support to individuals and families facing money worries, debt or urgent need this summer.
Ben is already providing vital support for many families who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford essentials such as food and utilities during the cost-of-living crisis.
Over the last 12 months, Ben has supported 128 households who couldn’t afford to put food on the table, 66 households who couldn’t pay their rent or mortgage costs and 52 households who couldn’t afford their utility bills.
More and more people than ever before are contacting Ben’s Helpline for support – during April-June 2023 there was a 23% increase in enquiries year on year and a 20% increase in support cases year on year.
People aren’t only struggling to make ends meet, they are also struggling with their mental health. Ben considers managing money as a key area that impacts on wellbeing.
Given the knock-on effect that financial problems can have, increasing levels of stress, anxiety, low mood and depression are made worse when people can’t afford basic living costs.
In addition to supporting basic living costs, Ben also wants to give families, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, the opportunity to enjoy spending time together and create special memories during the holidays.
This is as well as taking pressure off families who face impending back to school costs including school uniform, bags and PE kits.
Ben is encouraging people not to struggle alone but get in touch via the helpline: 08081 311 333 or use the webchat at www.ben.org.uk or Ben’s out of hours support line by texting BEN to 85258.