The automotive trade is built on hard work, long hours and relentless pressure. Whether you’re running a garage, managing a parts department or out on the road every day, life in this industry can take its toll. For many, the stress, financial strain and isolation build up quietly behind the scenes. That’s where Ben Charity steps in.
In this episode of On the Ramp Podcast, we sit down with Ellen Plumer from Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting everyone in the automotive industry. From technicians and suppliers to business owners and their families, Ben exists to make sure no one in the trade faces life’s toughest challenges alone.
Ben is the automotive industry’s own charity, offering free and confidential support for anyone connected to the sector. It’s been around for over 120 years and has evolved alongside the industry itself. As Ellen explains, it started with bicycle makers before cars even existed and now supports more than 850,000 people working across the UK automotive landscape.
Their services cover a wide range of support, from mental health and financial advice to crisis care, counselling and wellbeing coaching. Ben isn’t just for technicians or garage teams – it’s for everyone in the trade: owners, managers, suppliers, logistics drivers and their families.
“You’re qualified to fix cars, not people… but you still feel responsible for them.”
Alex Lindley
The unseen pressure of the trade
Alex and Nathan highlight a hard truth that many in the industry can relate to: long days, business challenges and financial uncertainty can push even the most resilient people to breaking point. The trade is proud and hardworking, but that pride often stops people from asking for help.
Ellen shares a sobering statistic: two people every week in the automotive industry die by suicide. Behind every ramp, desk or delivery van, there are people quietly struggling with their mental health, money worries or personal circumstances.
“It costs nothing to refer someone to Ben… but it could save a life.” – Ellen Plumer
How Ben helps
Ben’s approach is simple – real people offering real help. When someone reaches out, the team looks at every part of their life, not just one issue. That might mean counselling, financial advice or even practical support like food vouchers or housing guidance. For employers, Ben provides advice on how to support staff and even coaching for business owners who feel isolated or overwhelmed.
It’s completely confidential, meaning anyone can reach out without fear of judgment or their employer finding out. And crucially, it’s free.
“If you’re a garage owner, imagine one of your team struggling quietly… and you could’ve pointed them toward free, life-changing help.”
Ellen Plumer
For garage owners: look after your team and yourself
As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that garage owners carry a huge amount of responsibility – not just for their staff’s work, but for their wellbeing. Alex and Nathan speak openly about the emotional load of leadership and how business owners often neglect their own mental health while trying to protect their teams.
Ben isn’t just there for employees. It’s also there for employers who need someone to talk to. As Ellen says, leadership doesn’t mean being unbreakable; it means knowing when to seek help and where to find it.
“If you don’t look after yourself now, you can’t look after your staff later.”
Ellen Plumer
Use it, share it, support it
The message from this episode is clear – use Ben, share Ben, support Ben. Every garage, dealership, supplier and parts business can play a role in spreading awareness. That could be as simple as putting a poster up in the break room, mentioning Ben in a team meeting, or sharing this episode so others can hear about it.
Ben’s goal is to reach one in three people in the automotive industry within five years. Awareness and engagement from independent garages will make that happen. As Ellen explains, even a small monthly contribution – about £2 per employee – helps Ben continue its work and reach more people.
“Mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s an industry issue.”
Nathan Taylor
Get help or get involved
If you work in the automotive trade and you or someone you know needs help, contact Ben. They offer phone, web chat and text services, and everything is handled with complete confidentiality.
Visit ben.org.uk to learn more, access support or find out how your business can get involved.
Because the truth is simple, the automotive industry runs on people, and those people need looking after.
On The Ramp is proudly sponsored by Castrol, supporting garages that keep Britain moving with trusted oils, lubricants and technology that powers performance every day.
🔗 Learn more about Castrol Service: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html
