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BEN - the heart of an industry

Since 1905, BEN has been supporting members of the automotive and related industries who are facing difficulties in their lives. Employees past and present and their dependants are eligible, and around 15,000 people are helped by BEN every year. Their problems range from disabilities or sickness to debt, loneliness and poverty, but BEN is always on hand to give the best care and advice.

BEN provides award-winning care to 350 older or disabled people with industry connections in its four residential centres where residents are cared for by nurses, support staff and physiotherapists. A day-care centre in Coventry allows automotive workers to earn their living while BEN staff care for their elderly relatives.

Meanwhile, a nationwide team of welfare officers make home visits to individuals and families in the community. They are supported in this work by an army of highly trained volunteers known as BENfriends.

In order to sustain and develop the work it does, BEN requires a minimum income of £12 million a year. From the thousands of hours worked by BEN volunteers to the large amounts donated by major manufacturers through Performance Related Giving, BEN relies entirely on the industry it supports to keep providing care.