EVERYONE involved with the licensed trade in Scotland has heard of The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society – more commonly known as The BEN.
The charity’s annual events, including its high-profile Annual Dinner in February, are well supported by the trade. But as chief executive Chris Gardner explains, the need to raise funds to continue supporting people in need is more important than ever before.
Offering financial, social and emotional support, The BEN is there for people of all ages who have worked in the licensed trade for at least three years on a full-time basis. “Each person who comes to us for help is treated individually – there’s no hard and fast rule,” says Chris, who next year celebrates 30 years of working for the charity.
“Everyone’s circumstances are different and often temporary so our message is please don’t sit at home worrying – call us and we will assess your situation. We are here for you and everything you tell us is always confidential.”
The BEN’s team of visitors – traditionally individuals who have worked in the licensed trade and are now retired – are the people who visit beneficiaries at home to assess their needs.
“People are proud and it can often take them a long time to come forward,” Chris explains. “Someone can find themselves struggling through no fault of their own – life can throw cruel blows at times and people get caught in the crossfire.
“It is our job to help those people work their way through these hard times and offer them support – emotional as well as financial – because sometimes they struggle to cope emotionally.”
The BEN can offer annual financial assistance as well as discretionary grants in emergency situations. “For example, someone might be managing their finances well but when the boiler or washing machine breaks down they need a little help – this is where we can come in,” says Chris.
“Others examples include assistance with utility and household bills, or temporary help to help through a rough patch – no two cases are the same and assistance is always tailored to the individual. It’s all about respect and dignity.”
Meanwhile, the charity also operates The BEN Pitlochry Estate on the banks of the River Tay, consisting of 18 bungalows which are rented at subsidised rates for eligible residents and also provide breaks for carers.
With seven visitors currently volunteering their time and a board of directors working with Chris to help raise funds and support the delivery of services for beneficiaries, it’s a year-round challenge keeping The BEN relevant and moving forward.
Its history goes back over 150 years, to 1864 when The Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution was founded in Glasgow. The East of Scotland Licensed Trade Benevolent Institution was established in 1887 and the two organisations merged in 1976 to form The BEN.
“As anyone who organises events is only too well aware it’s hard work because you’re constantly seeking sponsorship and trying to get people interested in attending – not always easy when we live in this time-poor age,” Chris points out.
“While our biggest event of the year is the Annual Dinner in Glasgow in February, we have a number of events including our pro-am golf event – which took place this year at Archerfield in East Lothian – and also our race meeting at Ayr plus The BEN Barrel Ball in Edinburgh.”
Chris, meanwhile, is keen to hear from anyone who would like to consider becoming a volunteer. “Ideally, I’d like to recruit another two or three visitors as we have beneficiaries all over Scotland,” she says. “Being in a position to help people and make their lives a little better is tremendously rewarding.”
Please contact Chris at chris@bensoc.org.uk and visit the website at www.bensoc.org.uk for further information.
Image: Chris Gardner (left) with BEN visitor Sandra Millar on a trip to the Pitlochry Estate to view the commemorative bench in memory of her late husband Gordon, past director and friend of The BEN