Help make a stand against suicide

The chances are you know someone who has struggled with their mental health and wellbeing. It’s a part of life that at times can become so all-consuming that in the worst case can lead to suicide. 

Sorry, but there’s no hiding from the fact people can struggle so much ending their life seems the only escape. In 2021, there were 5,583 suicides registered in England and Wales alone according to the Office for National Statistics. Three quarters of those were men.

Automotive is a male dominated sector, which means it’s something we all need to be aware of, so that if we see someone struggling we try and find a way to help them.

Ben, the automotive industry charity, has released a new short film to raise awareness about the topic of suicide. It was released on International Men’s Day, for which this year’s theme is ‘zero male suicide’. 

The short film, called ‘Alright mate’ aims to challenge perceptions around mental health and suicide. It’s a longer video than perhaps you might expect in today’s TikTok world, but Ben encourages automotive industry people to find the eight minutes it takes to watch.

One of the main characters, Aidan (Ade), is played by Alastair Ellery who starred in the Netflix film, The Strays. It was filmed and directed by Film and TV photographer Chris Harris.

The purpose of the film is also to raise awareness about Ben to further spread the message that the charity is there for everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry so they know about the support they can access when times are tough. 

If you know someone who is struggling let them know about the content Ben has recently developed, with new online support and training for automotive industry people at: www.ben.org.uk/suicideprevention. It could save someone’s life. 

Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. Don't struggle alone, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258.