Ben launches summer support

Automotive industry charity Ben has launched its annual summer families project to provide practical, emotional and financial support to current and former automotive workers facing increased household costs during the school holidays.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative is designed to help families manage additional seasonal expenses including food, household bills, school uniforms and activities for children over the summer break.

The programme comes as financial pressures continue to drive demand for Ben’s services. Over the past year, the charity’s helpline responded to more than 14,000 enquiries, with money worries remaining one of the most common reasons people sought support. Ben also awarded more than 600 financial grants to individuals experiencing hardship during the same period.

Since the project began in 2023, Ben has supported 80 adults and 111 children, providing more than £22,000 in financial assistance. Funding has increased significantly, rising from £1,700 in the programme’s first year to almost £15,000 in 2025, reflecting growing demand across the automotive community.

This year’s initiative has also received additional backing from the BMTA Trust, which has contributed £3,000 towards activity costs.

Julie Hayes, Specialist Services Lead at Ben, said: “Times are tough for many automotive people right now. The summer holidays can be a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together, but for many they also bring added financial pressure. With household budgets already extremely stretched, the cost of food, childcare, travel and preparing children for the new school year can quickly become overwhelming.

“We know that money worries are one of the biggest challenges facing people in the automotive industry. Whether you need immediate financial support, help managing money worries or someone to talk to, Ben is here to help.”

Katie Williams, Development and Grants Manager at BMTA, added: “The summer holidays should be a time for families to make happy memories together, yet for many they bring additional financial pressures and impossible choices. We are delighted to stand alongside Ben in making a real difference to the lives of people across our automotive community.”

Ben’s helpline and support services are available to anyone working, or who has previously worked, in the automotive industry, as well as their family dependants. Visit www.ben.org.uk/summersupport or call 08081 311 333.