I was relaxed when my fixed-term contract approached its end. I’d received encouraging signals from my employer, so I knew I’d be extended. They had big plans in renewable energy, and there would be plenty of opportunities for a chemical engineer with my experience.

Then I was left high and dry.

The company pulled back, froze recruitment and scrapped its plans. I remember feeling something close to disbelief, which then gave way to shock. How could this have happened?

It’ll be okay, I told myself. I’m a chemical engineer with over twenty years of experience, without any gaps in my employment record. I’ve worked across a variety of sectors and taken the lead on major projects. My skills are in demand, so something else will come along soon.

But it didn’t. Opportunities were limited. I cast my net further and further, determined to find something – anything – to get back into another role in engineering. It felt like being trapped in a maze, hitting dead end after dead end. The rejections were beginning to wear me down.

Then came the financial pressures.

We had some savings set aside for a rainy day, and they helped cushion the initial shock. But as time wore on, our savings wore down. With a young family to provide for, money became increasingly tight. After several large unexpected expenses, we began to accrue debt.

The crunch point came when I knew we wouldn’t be able to make the mortgage payment next month. The stress was becoming overwhelming.

I looked online for help – any help – for our situation. I used an online Grants Search tool on the Turn2us website, and it pointed me to the Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund. Truthfully? I’d never heard of them! I reached out, not sure what to expect. I’m so glad I did.

From the get-go, they were kind and supportive. We had a warm and empathetic conversation over Zoom. They listened without judgement, offering advice and practical help. I was awarded a Living Costs Grant, which was an enormous relief, letting me cover my family’s essentials without having to worry.

That’s not all they did, though. They connected me with a career coach to help me sharpen my CV and approach to prospective employers. They also identified that I could claim New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, which some extra financial help I had assumed I didn’t qualify for. And most surprising – but practical! – of all was when they stepped in with a Vehicle Repairs Grant after problems with my car threatened to prevent me travelling to interviews.

I’m delighted to say that with the Benevolent Fund’s support, I found another role. It’s wonderful to be back in a routine and earning again. My adviser at the Benevolent Fund even sent me a thoughtful note wishing me good luck on the day I started my new job.

I can’t thank the team and the Fund enough for all the support. It was an overwhelming time, but they made it so much easier.

*The name and certain details of this story have been changed to retain confidentiality. The photo is posed by a model.