Institution news
Have you or a family member ever needed to obtain advice? Have you struggled to cope financially? Are you wondering how to complete your studies because of other pressures? Did you feel daunted at the prospect of returning to work after a career break? Do you or your children need extra help or equipment because of dyslexia or autism? Are you aware that your membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers entitles you to call upon Support Network to assist with any of the above?
Support Network provides a range of grants, loans, and non-financial services, tailoring responses to the particular needs and circumstances of the individuals or their family. About 40% of those who request help from Support Network will receive a home visit from a volunteer, who are all Members themselves, who will listen, and make suggestions as to how the Fund can help. The emphasis will be on providing practical help in a timely manner.
Take Andrew Avent who, at the age of 45, developed a reaction to the resins and dust from boatbuilding and needed to change his career. He decided to go back to full time study and do a five year MEng in mechanical engineering. This was particularly difficult as he has an autistic son who was moving to a specialist school a long way from home and needed constant support.
He says: “Starting again from scratch with no savings is really quite a daunting prospect; the Institution’s Support Network has underpinned a complete turnaround in my fortunes. I expect to graduate with a first class degree and hope to continue my research into thermo-acoustic pumps and to undertake some teaching to supplement the PhD stipend.
"Attracting experienced engineers into academia is, I believe, important in order to ensure that research remains relevant and grounded with a keen practical edge. I cannot recommend the work of the Support Network highly enough; discreet, understanding and professional in every way; just knowing that you are not on your own is a very empowering feeling.”
Support Network has evolved over time, reflecting the needs of the Institution’s community. In 2005, a new range of services were introduced, including employment coaching, debt advice, counselling and legal support – all laying the foundation for the type of holistic support offered to members today, which since 2011 has been based on a “life stages” and “life situations” model.
Support Network is currently undergoing a three year review of its current and future activities to make sure that its services are 'fit for purpose' and to ensure that all Members are aware of the service and assistance that can be provided. As part of this process, Support Network would value the views, thoughts and comments of members whether or not they have used the Fund, regarding the current provision and how they would like it to evolve.
The views of international members of the Institution would be of particular of interest – regarding both the awareness of Support Network and of how the services match needs – as this is an area that Support Network wishes to develop and expand.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Support Network is dedicated in its mission"… to help Institution members, and their dependants, who are in need…"and to ensure that services continue to adapt to reflect changing times. Your feedback will help to inform and shape how this invaluable help to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers community will continue.
If you would like to contribute your views about the Support Network please contact Anni Broadhead at: a_broadhead@imeche.org.
Ask for help
Support Network is here to provide assistance to all members of the Institution, wherever they are in the world and at whatever stage of their careers, and partners and close family can be helped too. If you or your family need personal support, information, advice, finance, emotional and/or practical assistance, please contact the Support Network on Tel: +44(0)20 7304 6816 or at info@supportnetwork.org.uk.
For more information visit Support Network.