Ben is urging car retailers to use their head to raise awareness of the issue of mental health by hosting its fifth annual Hats on 4 Ben charity event amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The automotive retail sector benevolent charity will aim to “reconnect the automotive family virtually” and take action to support those struggling with their mental health through activities which are set to take place during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 18 to 24).

Each year, over 50% of people who turn to Ben ask for help with mental health issues and the charity has seen demand increase in light of COVID-19. 

Ben is asking people to get involved in this years Hats on 4 Ben event to help raise funds, and spirits, during its week of action.

To take part in Hats on 4 Ben, Ben is asking people to do three simple things:

1. Make/wear a hat and share a selfie on social media, using the hashtag #HatsOn4Ben.
2. Tag five family members or friends to do the same.
3. Text HATS to 70480 & donate £5 (if you can afford it) to help provide mental health support.

Matt Wigginton, fundraising director at Ben, said: “We’re really excited to be running Hats on 4 Ben during Mental Health Awareness Week.

“The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of mental health in our industry and vital funds so we can support those who are struggling.

“It’s a tough time for many people, so we think Hats on 4 Ben is the perfect way to bring our automotive community together and do something fun, positive and charitable, with the whole family.

“The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 is ‘Kindness’, which we thought was very fitting. Being kind to ourselves, as well as to others, is crucial right now.”

Ben continues to provide mental health support to automotive industry people, including access to mental health assessments, life coaching and telephone-based counselling, as well as other talking therapies.

Ben also recently launched a new digital platform for individuals to access self-help support programmes for anxiety, depression, resilience, stress, sleep, as well as mindfulness activities.

In addition, a new programme called ‘Coping with challenging times’ has just been launched on the platform to help people through COVID-19.

Wigginton said: “Your support of Ben is even more valuable in this time of crisis. We expect the demand for our mental health support to continue increasing as the full effects of the coronavirus pandemic are felt.

“Many people are concerned about what the future holds and how it will affect them.

“Through this campaign, we also want to make the whole industry aware that Ben is (and will continue to be) here for automotive people, providing the relevant health and wellbeing support.

“This is about reconnecting our automotive family during a tough time. We hope you’ll take part.”

For more information about Hats on 4 Ben, visit www.hatson4ben.co.uk.