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Financial
support

We know it can be difficult to talk about money, and even harder to tell someone if you’re struggling financially. But most of us experience money issues at some point.

Everyone deserves a decent standard of living

We believe everyone has the right to a decent standard of living and if you’re facing unexpected or ongoing costs that are preventing that, we want to be there for you. We offer financial support to help you get back on your feet and feeling more in control of your situation. Whether it’s through a one-off grant or quarterly or monthly payments over a longer period, there might be ways in which we can ease some of the pressure. As part of the engineering community, your welfare is our priority.

Eligibility

Perhaps you’ve been out of work for some time or seen a drop in income after separating or losing your partner. Or maybe you’ve come up against unexpected household expenses or daily living costs that are suddenly higher than normal and you’re finding it difficult to cover. Regardless of why you’re having a tough time with money, if you have ever been IET member, even if your membership is no longer active, and have less than £16,000 in savings, we might be able to help you through it with financial support.

If you live in the UK and you're struggling to make ends meet, you can also use our Universal Credit checker to see if you're eligible for Universal Credit to help boost your income. Click here to access this resource.

At Foothold, we’d like to help you and your family, if we can, if you’re having financial problems – no matter the reason for your challenges. Get in touch with us whenever you're ready.

Ways we can help you right now

Monthly budget sheet

When we struggle to make ends meet we usually feel out of control. That’s why we’ve put together a monthly budget sheet – to help you get to grips with your spending.

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dyslexia strengths

Controlling the uncontrollable

Money matters can sometimes feel out of our control. And when things feel out of control we become overwhelmed and stressed. That’s why our friend Pete Scott has put together this guide to help you.

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SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

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Your stories

Foothold’s support has been a godsend to us. They literally saved me from bankruptcy. The money they provided wouldn’t have made a difference to me all those years ago – but now it means everything. View story
“It’s far better to accept you need help and reach out sooner – rather than shying away from support due to feelings of guilt and shame.” View story
Without Foothold’s help , I never would have managed to get my life back on track. Their support meant my daughter never had to go hungry, even when it looked like we’d hit rock bottom. View story
I knew about Foothold from being a member and although it was hard to reach out and say we’re in trouble, I knew I had to do it. The alternative was a downwards spiral of debt. View story
If someone were in my situation, I’d say ask Foothold for help. The support I received helped me pay my mortgage, put food on the table and ultimately meant I didn’t lose my home. View story
A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

The power of conversation

Andy shares why a simple conversation can be so powerful – and how really listening is so important

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Michael Hargreaves, author of How Foothold’s new Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme can support you to achieve your career goals

How our neurodiversity support is helping neurodiverse engineers to live well and thrive

Our Communications Officer Michael explores how our neurodiversity support is making a difference to the wellbeing of neurodiverse community members.

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A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

Understanding empathy: how to be kinder to others

In Part 2 his 2-part blog series on empathy, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist Andy Thornton explores how you can be kinder to others.

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