Hats off to 'Hats on 4 Mental Health Day'

Across the UK on 10^th November, those working in the industry wore their hats to work and donated to help Ben support automotive colleagues facing mental health challenges. Around 90 companies took part in the event and the funds raised will go back into providing vital support for those who work in the industry and their families. Those taking part were encouraged to post their photos on social media under the hashtag #hatson4mentalhealth. The event was so popular that it became a trending topic on Twitter for hours.

Other highlights included Volvo UK tying up with Sky Atlantic on Twitter; Autotrader’s David Hawksworth raising £400 through JustGiving, and Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer encouraging his fans to show support for the campaign. Hats on 4 Mental Health Day also received support from Vicki Butler-Henderson; Tiff Needell, famous for presenting Fifth Gear and Top Gear, and Tom Chambers, known for his roles in Holby City, Casualty and Waterloo Road.

Zara Ross, Chief Executive, Ben, said: “We were delighted to see so many organisations supporting Hats on 4 Mental Health Day. We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had and the awareness surrounding the campaign has been phenomenal."

“It’s so important that we keep talking about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it as it affects so many of us. One in three people will experience mental health problems at work, which means that over 260,000 people within the automotive industry will face these challenges at some point in their lives. The money raised from Hats on 4 Mental Health Day will go towards supporting those individuals to help them get their lives back on track."

“I would like to thank everyone who has taken part, helping us to raise awareness and get more people talking about mental health. We really appreciate the efforts that you, our automotive community, went to. We would also like to say ‘hold on to your hats’ as we will be running Hats on 4 Mental Health Day again this year!”

The day was part of a wider campaign around mental health to shine a light on how mental health can affect anyone, at any time. As such, Ben is an integral partner to the automotive industry, working to improve the health and wellbeing of the workforce, reducing absence, improving productivity and raising morale. Ben also works to help people in the automotive industry, and their families, deal with the challenges that life brings around their physical, social, financial and mental health and wellbeing.

As finances are often a key concern for people in the months of January and February, Ben will soon be launching its new campaign around financial health and wellbeing. In addition, as physical health is also topical at this time of year, our campaign will also have a physical health element to it. So watch this space for further campaign news from Ben!