The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society has launched a new campaign to promote its fund which offers former and current workers of the trade one off sums of money

A charity is upping the promotion of its programme which provides current and former members of the licensed trade with money to tide them over during hard times.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, known as The BEN, has launched the Glass Half Full campaign to find more people to support who are struggling from illness, unemployment or other factors.

Established in 1864, the society has been providing social, financial and emotional support to members of the licensed trade for over 150 years.

Financially, it offers regular discretionary payments as well as one-off grants for emergency situations such as housing repairs or transport costs.

We know there are hundreds of Scots out there who are eligible for support, but just don’t know it

However a recent survey conducted by the charity found that one in four licensed trade workers know someone who would benefit from financial aid but didn’t know it was available.

The Glass Half Full campaign will see posters like the one pictured above published and licensed trade workers encouraged to share details of the fund.

“Since it was established, The BEN has supported thousands of people across Scotland and we continue to strive to help as many as we can today,” Chris Gardner, chief executive of The BEN said.

"As a smaller charity this can sometimes prove challenging, largely due to a lack of awareness, but we hope the Glass Half Full campaign will inspire people to either recommend our services or get in touch.

“We know there are hundreds of Scots out there who are eligible for support, but just don’t know it, so the campaign is a way for us to engage with them and let them know we are here to help

“However, we understand the apprehension, and embarrassment, which can be caused by seeking financial support but would assure anyone considering contacting us that the application process is completely confidential and any arrangements are managed with the utmost discretion.”

To be eligible for support, applicants must have worked in the licensed trade (incorporating bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers plus packaging, production and distribution firms) for at least three years on a full-time basis. The three years do not need to be concurrent.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), and BEN director, is backing the campaign and calling on the industry to show its support: “The BEN is well known within the industry, but many people are still unaware of how it helps people and who is eligible for support.

“Therefore we’re asking audiences from both the licensed trade and beyond to help raise awareness of the campaign and encourage anyone that may benefit from support to get in touch.”

To find out more about The BEN or to enquire about support, please visit bensoc.org.uk or call 0141 353 3596.