b'30 Member News March 2022SupportFootholds Wellbeing Hub helps hundreds of engineers to live betterOne evening in September 2020, I reached breaking point. I had a huge panic attack, and started harming myself. I still struggle to understand what happened that night.When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Stuart, an engineer for over 30 years, lost control over his mental healthwith near-devastating consequences. Nothing could have prepared me forTo date, over 700 engineers have used the the impact that lockdown would have onWellbeing Hub to enhance their wellbeingmy health. I live alone and so didnt haveand start living better.anything to fill my days with. Time started to move really slowly and I could feel myself slipping into another downward spiral.His story is just one of many that FootholdWe launched the Wellbeing have seen up-close since the pandemic began, with calls for mental health supportHub following a three-foldWhilst people like Stuart sometimes need from the engineering community increasingincrease in requests for oura little extra support to get back on their by over 40% in the last six months of 2020.support since the start of thefeet, the Wellbeing Hub is readily available to help you stay in control of your Seeing an opportunity to expand supportCOVID-19 pandemic. Addressingwellbeing and effectively manage your for issues relating to wellbeing, the charityand improving mental wellbeingphysical and mental health.partnered with engineering recruitmentis particularly important firm Gattaca to devise a more permanentBut the work Foothold does solution for engineers looking to get morebecause our state of mindto help engineers live better control over their physical and emotionalimpacts our ability to handle health. And so, in March 2021, thepressure in other areas of life.lives is only possible through Foothold Wellbeing Hub was launched.Were very proud that the Hubthe continued support of The hub offers free, on-demand accesshas already been accessedthe engineering community. to expert resources, guides and articlesby hundreds of people acrossIn Stuarts own words: I covering a range of wellbeing topics such as depression, sleep difficulties, preventingthe globe to help them liveremember thinking early on burnout, substance abuse and more. healthier, happier lives. in my career: why should I Its aim is to give engineers and theirdonate to the IET benevolent families the understanding and toolsfund?. It turns out I had to they need to keep on top of their mentalJane Petit find out the hard way.health, and prevent issues from spirallingFoothold Chief Executive Officer out of control like they did for Stuart.Every donation and gift in a will can make a real difference to an engineer in need. So please consider donating today you might just change someones life. If youre struggling with your mental health or feel you could benefit from free advice and support, join the FootholdWellbeing Hub at: myfoothold.org/wellbeinghub.'