Workers at Steer’s Heathrow and Uxbridge sites were given the chance to access free, confidential mental health support this month, as part of a “Wellbeing on Wheels” tour delivered in partnership with Ben, The Automotive Industry Charity.
The Ben Bus spent approximately two hours on site and gave team members time away from the workshop to speak with Ben representatives, access information about available services, and have conversations that might not otherwise happen. The visit is part of a wider national tour that took in twelve Steer sites across England during the first week of June.
The initiative comes as new data from Ben reveals the scale of the mental health challenge facing the automotive sector. In an industry where over 82% of the workforce is male, 56% of workers are experiencing stress, 44% are living with anxiety, and 1 in 3 men say they haven’t sought any support for their health and wellbeing in the last 12 months.
Ellen Plumer, Head of Awareness & Experience at Ben, said: “Health and wellbeing challenges are affecting the majority of people working in the automotive industry and stress is the most common issue. We know that meaningful human connection – having someone who asks genuine questions, listens without judgement and takes the time to understand – can make a real difference. It’s also vital that people know where to turn when they need support. That’s what this tour is all about: getting in front of people in their place of work, having important conversations, raising awareness of Ben and making it easier for them to take that first step towards getting support.”
Richard Steer, CEO of Steer Automotive Group, said: “At Steer, we recognise the value of company-wide collaboration when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, so colleagues know that help is there for them wherever they are. It’s about building a culture where speaking up is normal, encouraged and supported across the business. Because we believe wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, and we’re committed to continuing to strengthen the support available across all our teams.”
The tour builds on a long-standing partnership between Steer Automotive Group and Ben that gives every Steer employee, and their family members, access to Ben’s full suite of free, confidential support, including counselling, life coaching, a 24/7 digital mental wellbeing platform, and a confidential helpline.
Ben supports anyone who has worked in the automotive industry. More information and free resources are available at ben.org.uk, or via the helpline: 08081 311 333 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm).
