Automotive Charity BEN Offers Support for Flood Victims

With the acrid, foul-smelling flood waters slowing abating and worries that we have not seen the last of the bad weather, the automotive charity BEN is extending their support for our affected automotive colleagues.

Following the Environment Agency's report that 5,800 properties have been flooded since the start of December and 100,000 homes having experienced power cuts, we recognise that members of our automotive community are extremely likely to be amongst those being challenged by the experience.

Commenting on the situation BEN's Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Rothband stated,

"The prolonged damage caused by these events will be placing severe physical and emotional stress on those affected, and we are desperate to ensure that anyone connected to our automotive industry community knows that we are on hand to offer our care and support.

We cannot solve the long-term problem; sadly we cannot throw millions at it to make it go away, but what we can do is to provide short term immediate support including financial assistance, where needed.

Obviously, some people will have been unable to work and will have incurred additional costs in trying to protect themselves and their properties - where these factors have caused short term financial hardship we may be able to assist depending on the circumstances of the individual.

Many will be covered by insurance, which should always be the first port of call, but for those who are vulnerable and do not have cover, or remain unsupported by other agencies we can, and will, respond to immediate need. Whether those affected just needing someone to offload too, advice on temporary accommodation or financial assistance- we are here to help. I would urge any automotive person who is distressed or suffering to get in touch."

In addition to actively encouraging those affected to get in touch, BEN is also contacting existing beneficiaries, in affected areas, to find out if they need help. Many older people in these circumstances will have been unable to get out and therefore missed out on normal social contact, or they may simply be more anxious and need some reassurance. We at BEN are determined to support these individuals and can also offer support to those people needing help to complete their insurance forms.

To contact BEN's helpline;
Call 01344 876770
Text 07781 472622
Email careservices@ben.org.uk

BEN - Caring for automotive people, and their dependants, in times of need

BEN is the Good Garage Scheme's chosen charity - the UK’s dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants.