bensoc.org.uk
Caring for the trade for 150 years Personal approach remains at the heart of The Ben
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T helps hundreds of people each year across Scotland’s licensed trade who have fallen on hard times. As The Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland – ‘The Ben’ – celebrates its 150th anniversary, it’s determined to help a whole lot more. The Ben has, in various guises, been caring for the trade since 1864, with the organisation in its current format established in 1976 following the amalgamation of the Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution, which was set up in 1864, and the East of Scotland Licensed Trade Benevolent Institution, founded in 1887. The names may have changed down the years, but the founding principle – to help and support former and current members of the licensed trade and drinks industry who have fallen on hard times – remains at the heart of the organisation today. The Ben raises funds to support more than 130 beneficiaries each year – either through annual financial assistance or oneoff grants – from all corners of Scotland’s licensed trade and drinks industry. Recent beneficiaries include a distillery worker struck down with a debilitating illness, a woman who was made redundant and unable to meet her mortgage payments and a family with a child who needed an electric wheelchair – highlighting the broad range of assistance the charity offers. Every case is assessed confidentially and individually on its own merits, with the only prerequisite being that applicants have worked full-time in the trade for a minimum of three years (this does not have to be continuous service).
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It’s this personal approach that sets The Ben apart. The charity has a team of seven visitors who, together with The Ben’s 12 directors from across the licensed trade and drinks industry, visit beneficiaries and the residents of the 18 houses in The Ben’s Pitlochry estate, regularly. Chris Gardner, chief executive of The Ben, said the organisation endeavours to provide help and assistance as quickly as possible to those in need. “We’re there as a first port of call for people,” she said. “Things can happen to anyone when they least expect it and that’s why The Ben is there to help. They may lose their job or fall and break a leg and be unable to work
for a period of time – The Ben can provide assistance in all these cases. “Everyone is treated as an individual. After they apply, a visitor will go and see them and assess how The Ben can help. “The Ben is unique in having these visitors. Sometimes it’s not all about money; sometimes having someone to speak to is just as important as financial support and our visitors do a fantastic job. “That is the real strength of The Ben – the personal approach and its ability to react quickly to every situation.” • Read on to find out more about what The Ben does, how you can help The Ben and how The Ben can help you.
28/08/2014 10:50