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Counselling and therapy grants
We believe mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. And we believe that everyone should have access to the counselling and therapy support they need, when they need it.
It's important to talk
We understand that admitting you need support can be difficult. It’s not easy to be open but everyone goes through tough times and, when we do, we could all benefit from someone to talk to.
And while friends and family can be great if you just need an understanding ear, there are times when professional help is invaluable. Someone who can offer unbiased advice from an outside perspective - can really make a difference. That's why we offer counselling and therapy grants, to help you talk things through.
Reasons you might need to talk to someone
It could be that you’re a carer, or someone being cared for, and that you both need some support with the challenges that involves. Or you could use tools to help you manage a long-term condition or disability you’re living with. Maybe you're struggling with stress at work or around your home life. Perhaps you're going through a breakup or bereavement. Maybe there isn't a clear reason for why you need to talk to someone. Whatever is going on - it's healthy to talk it through.
Prioritise your mental health
It's easy to put your emotional wellbeing on the back burner, but your mental health is enormously important. When you’re in need of therapy services that you’re unable to access for free or if complimentary treatment is just taking too long, our grants* could help you receive professional help faster. Don’t suffer in silence – get in touch with us so we can be there for you.
Eligibility
If you or your partner have ever been a member of the IET, you may be eligible for financial support if you meet our savings and eligibility criteria.
*Counselling grants cover up to 10 sessions.
Worldwide support
While we believe that everyone should have access to counselling and therapy, we know that this is not always an option. Not all countries have public healthcare systems that offer therapy free of charge and when they do, overstretched health services can mean long waiting lists that make immediate help hard to come by. Reach out to see how we can help you.
Recognising when you need help
You may recently have lost someone close to you and find that understandably hard to deal with. You might need counselling while dealing with a crisis or emergency. You could be a student finding that unforeseen difficulties are threatening your ability to finish your degree. Whatever the reason, if you’re having a difficult time talking to someone might make the world of difference.
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Your stories
The support Foothold has given my family has had a hugely positive impact not once, but twice. It gave Mum and Dad back their independence and dignity, and gave us peace of mind that they were safe and content in their own home.View story Read Susan’s story of taking control of her mental health after being diagnosed with PTSD
Thanks to Foothold’s incredible support I’m now living a relatively normal life again. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for me. I remember thinking early on in my career: ‘why should I donate to the IET benevolent fund?’. It turns out I had to find out the hard way.View story Read Stuart’s story of regaining control of his mental health
I'd let my mental health define me. But now I’m in control of it - it’s not in control of me. If I hadn’t got in touch with Foothold I wouldn’t be in this position. I really do appreciate everything.View story Read Michael’s story of his mental health journey
I feel like I have a safety net which reassures me massively. We still have stressful days, but I can manage them so much better than before.View story Read Molly’s story of getting counselling support
"We’ve been through such an ordeal as a family - it makes me feel emotional just thinking about it. I'm just very, very, very grateful for the support we got."View story Read Linda’s story of supporting her daughter’s mental health
Blog
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Neurodivergent engineer Martin shares his some top tips to help leaders empower neurodiverse colleagues to thrive at work.
Working with ADHD: Thriving with FREE Help from Access to Work
Sam shares her experience with Access To Work and how it can help other engineers with neurodiversity.
“Making a meaningful and enduring difference” – your impact in 2022-23
Our CEO Jane shares her thoughts on how your support helped us make a real difference for engineers and their families around the world.