TMO, Ben steer firms through mental health challenges

5 June 2025  

The Motor Ombudsman has launched a new partnership with auto industry charity, Ben, to create ‘Steer’ — a quick-reference guide to help businesses support those who may be encountering mental health and wellbeing challenges.

The guide, formally launched at Automechanika Birmingham on June 3,  is available in print and free-to-download digital formats. The move comes in response to a survey of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops by TMO.

Increasing pressures on the mental and physical health of those working in the industry, fuelled by rising bills and the cost of living, was a primary concern for nearly half (49%) of vehicle repairers, when it came to their workforce, according to the survey.

These findings were echoed in Ben’s latest annual Health and Wellbeing survey results, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers across the UK about their personal health and wellbeing challenges over the past 12 months.

That report revealed stress (57%), poor sleep (52%) and anxiety (44%) are the top three health and wellbeing issues for today’s automotive employees.

Practical guidance

Steer has been jointly designed and written by TMO and Ben to further raise awareness of how mental health struggles can play a significant part in influencing workforce morale, engagement and performance. In addition, it outlines practical strategies and guidance, as well as signposting readers to resources for how to approach and support those who may be encountering challenges.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and MD of TMO, said: “People are an organisation’s most valuable resource, and whilst there is never a ‘one-size-fits-all-approach’, it is important that they never feel alone and are aware that there is support available in their time of need, both via their employer and beyond.

“Steer builds on our own internal and continued commitment to staff wellbeing and training offered to our teams, and we look forward to sharing the resource across the automotive sector, and promoting the great work that Ben does.”

Ben’s CEO Rachel Clift said: “We’re thrilled to join forces with The Motor Ombudsman, an authority in the automotive sector, to provide this much-needed and vital resource which will prove very useful to those working in the industry.

“Personal struggles with health and wellbeing aren’t always visible, which sometimes makes them difficult to identify and discuss. By showing understanding, having open conversations, and letting people know that support is there, we can better help individuals with their mental health.”

Click here to download the guide.

Printed copies can be ordered from The Motor Ombudsman’s Code Shop, with 50p from every purchase donated to Ben.
Email business@tmo-uk.org for details.