How we help

Around one in 10 people in the UK are eligible for BEN's help, and we provide assistance to more than 15,000 people, offering practical, emotional and financial support for issues ranging from disabilities to depression, loneliness and poverty.

Little of what we do involves a one-off remedy, but BEN is committed to staying in regular contact with beneficiaries until they can cope alone.

Support varies from providing advice and assistance with practical help, offering emotional support and working with other agencies to give specialist advice on debt to helping a family cope with illness or disability.

BEN has a nationwide team of Welfare Officers who make home visits to offer help to individuals and families. They examine the needs and support people through their time of difficulty. Cases may take many months to resolve, and even then, a Welfare Officer or one of BEN's volunteers will remain in touch.

Volunteers, or BENfriends, make a valuable contribution. Trained and supported by Welfare Officers, they carry out vital work building relationships and staying in contact with those in need.

BEN works with the young and old, individuals and families. Often, the problems an individual has will affect the whole family.

BEN never turns people away. Even if the help needed is outside its capabilities, it will advocate on an individual's behalf to provide the support that's needed.