June 2020

JUNE 2020 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Ben says it has seen a marked increase in the number of people turning to the charity seeking support for their mental health and money concerns as COVID-19 has unfolded, and the organisation says it is supporting people through the crisis in a number of ways. Ben recently created a Coronavirus hub within its website, with specially developed online tips, advice and tools now available. More broadly, the organisation provides mental health assessments, life coaching and telephone-based counselling, as well as other talking therapies. Meanwhile, on a case by case basis, it is supporting individuals in financial need, administering welfare grants for food, utility bills, household goods, essential travel costs, childcare and council tax. Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Our industry has been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic and automotive people are currently facing challenging and uncertain times. Our support for those facing money problems really is vital right now, especially for those who are unable to benefit from the government’s furlough scheme and are left in financial limbo. Of course, the impact of the current situation is likely to continue to have an effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing.” For more information about how Ben can help and to access online support, visit www.ben.org.uk/coronavirus Total UK fuels Ride of the Valkyries Free jet fuel is being supplied to both the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) by Total UK during the COVID- 19 crisis. The donation from Total UK will initially cover each air ambulance service’s jet fuel requirements for one month but this will be reviewed during the pandemic and extended as required. Total UK has been working with the EHAAT since 2018, and has been working with GNAAS since 2019. The jet fuel donation from Total UK will be the first delivery into its new facility at Urlay Nook, Eaglescliffe. Ben Marchant, General Aviation Manager at Total UK, said: “The Total UK team is pleased to be able to support both essential air ambulance services during the Covid-19 pandemic. They rely entirely on charitable donations, so we are proud to play our part in helping them continue to carry out crucial, life-saving missions at this difficult time.” “I couldn’t have got through this without the help from Ben.” Ben support through COVID-19 crisis 78% drop in MOT tests The MOT exemption granted to motorists due to the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a 78% drop in the number of MOT tests being carried out across the UK, according to figures from the DVSA. Between 30 March and 24 April, around 636,000 MOT tests were carried out. This represents a 78% drop compared with the same time last year. A DVSA spokesperson said: “A temporary six-month exemption from MOT testing is in place to allow vital services to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people to get essential food and medicine during the coronavirus outbreak.We’ve issued advice to garages about how to safely conduct MOTs, in line with PHE guidance. Around 60% of MOT stations have been continuing to carry out essential services during this time.” At the same time, it has been estimated by studies from other organisations that around 60% of independent garages are shut, while a larger proportion among franchised dealer networks were closed. As Aftermarket went to press, these were beginning to reopen. Follow us on Facebook: @aftermarketmagazine