Today, Foothold launches the pilot of a new online peer support programme, designed to strengthen social connection and support wellbeing across the engineering community.

We know that feeling connected to others is vital for our mental health. Yet many engineers tell us they feel isolated, whether that’s due to long working hours or adjusting to life changes such as bereavement or retirement.

Foothold’s new peer support groups are designed to help change that by offering a safe, welcoming space where people can talk openly and feel understood by others with shared experiences of engineering.

The free, confidential groups are open to anyone with an interest in engineering, including those currently working or studying, those who have left the profession, and those who are retired.

Group sessions will take place online every one to two months and will be facilitated by trained Foothold volunteers. Each session will provide a space to talk about work, life, or whatever is on your mind, without judgment. Rather than offering advice or solutions, the sessions focus on shared experiences, active listening and mutual support.

This pilot is the first step in what we hope will grow into a wider, global peer support community for engineers.

We’re currently looking for people who would like to attend a peer support group as part of the pilot. You don’t need previous experience with peer support, just an interest in engineering and a willingness to listen and share in a supportive, confidential environment.

If you’d like to be part of the pilot or learn more, visit the peer support webpage.