1:22 pm, June 16, 2026
Ben is calling on the automotive industry to ‘come together’ and ‘look out for one another’ during Loneliness Awareness Week.
Organised by Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week is the world’s largest campaign to promote conversations and connections about loneliness. This year it runs from June 15 to 21.
Ben’s latest insights have found that 31% of automotive workers have experienced loneliness, suggesting it is a significant and often hidden challenge for many.
The automotive industry charity is encouraging people to check in on a colleague and promote conversations.
It is also highlighting its free and confidential helpline, details of which can be found here.
The call follows the charity taking its pop-up pub concept to the UK Garage & Bodyshop at the Birmingham NEC earlier this month.
Called ‘The Benevolent’, the pop-up pub allowed people to stop and talk honestly to Ben’s people.
Ellen Plumer, head of awareness & experience at Ben, said: ‘The Benevolent really struck a chord at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show. People told us, again and again, how much it meant to have somewhere to stop, talk honestly and feel part of something. That response is shaping our thinking.
‘This Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to keep the conversation going, and we would love automotive people to get involved and hear more about our plans: www.ben.org.uk/community.’
Rachel Clift, chief executive officer at Ben, said: ‘At Ben, we are here for the health and wellbeing of automotive people, for life. Loneliness is rarely just loneliness; it often sits alongside stress, money worries, low mood, problems sleeping or a relationship under strain.
‘Whatever someone is facing, they do not have to face it alone, and reaching out early can make all the difference.
‘Our free and confidential helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and our specialist health and wellbeing services are here for anyone who works, or has worked, in automotive, and their family. If you are struggling, please reach out. You can call our team on 0808 131 1333 or get help at www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.’
