Sign up to our mailing list to receive expert advice to help you improve your financial, mental and physical wellbeing, so that you can live well every day. We'll also send you the latest news and updates, and information on how you can get involved with Foothold and support the engineering community.
Find out how we supported Molly with access to counselling after a separation from her partner.
I was an engineering student with the Open University and a mum of two young kids when my partner and I separated. I was really overwhelmed. It was a lot to take in and deal with, as I was already trying to cope with post-natal depression. I’d been at home with my kids until they went into full time education. Understandably, I was stressed about giving up uni, having to find a full-time job and putting the kids in full-time childcare.
I felt as though everything had sort of fallen apart.
I got in touch with Foothold to ask for some help with my IET membership fees. Everyone I spoke to was really understanding and genuinely wanted to help.
Counselling support
Then I found out I was also eligible for counselling support. I was skeptical about it at first but after a couple of sessions I could see the positive effect it had. Getting to talk to someone about anything and everything meant I could get things off my chest and go back to my life without carrying it all around with me all the time.
I found a lovely counsellor without being on a massive waiting list. She was able to work around me and my busy life, doing voice calls instead of face-to-face meetings. The sessions helped me process everything that had happened. I went from being hugely stressed and not knowing how to deal with things, to having healthy ways of coping with and managing my stress and post-natal depression. I put my ability to be so healthy and happy now down to the support that I received.
Financial support
I also got a monthly grant which helped so much in the first few months of being a single parent, allowing me to get out of the debt I was in after the split, while I found work.
I’ve been able to become self-employed and work from home, meaning I’m in the lucky position to look after the kids at home, like I always wanted. With the help of Foothold, I was able to avoid taking out loans for the initial equipment and materials for my tiny business. I make blankets, clothes, toys — anything that people ask for! Just through word of mouth, it seems to be going well. It’s something I can work around the kids and my studying, so everything has worked out incredibly in the end!
Although things are still manic in the house, I just feel content and secure. I know we are incredibly lucky and have been so fortunate.
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. We live a really simple, happy life!
If you’re struggling to cope following a relationship breakdown and could use some support, you’re not alone. Our team is ready to listen and help. Get in touch with us now.