Ben has launched its Christmas Families project which aims to be a lifeline for automotive families as Christmas fast approaches.
In its sixth year, the project will run until 15th December 2025, providing financial, emotional and wellbeing support for automotive people and their families who are struggling to make ends meet, during the festive period.
In the lead up to Christmas Ben can help eligible families with the following:
- Food costs – making sure no-one goes without food over the coming weeks, and each family has a festive meal on the table
- Financial support – to ease the burden of household bills or essential household items
- Emotional and wellbeing support – offering a listening ear and guidance during what can be a challenging time of year
- Gifts under the tree – families with children will receive a voucher to buy a Christmas gift, so every child will receive a gift to help make their Christmas feel extra special. Ben will also provide an extra gift for all children.
Since Christmas 2020, Ben has supported almost 900 adults and children through the project, bringing hope and relief during one of the most financially difficult times of year. With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on households, Ben anticipates even more families could benefit from this initiative.
Again, this year, Ben is proud to work in partnership with The BMTA Trust which is supporting this project.
Claire France, Support Services Lead at Ben, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and togetherness, but for many families it can be incredibly stressful when finances are stretched. Through our Christmas Families Project, we’re here to make sure automotive families are supported and don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether it’s help putting food on the table, ensuring children have presents to open, or offering emotional support, Ben is here to help make this Christmas a little brighter.”
Ben is encouraging anyone working or who has worked in the automotive industry who is worried about making ends meet this Christmas to reach out for support.
If you, or someone you know, works in the automotive industry and needs help this Christmas, Ben is here and urges you to get in touch now via its free and confidential helpline. Don’t suffer in silence, contact its helpline 08081 311 333 or use its webchat at www.ben.org.uk.
