The NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency and branch offices across Scotland nominated 33 local charities across the country to receive a combined donation of more than £191,000 from a national £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund’.

One of the charities to benefit in Scotland, receiving a donation of more than £6,300, was Dundee Bairns, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Forfar Agency. The photograph above features Dundee Bairns Project Co-ordinator Genna Millar with NFU Mutual Agent Sean Mochan from NFU Mutual Forfar Agency.

Genna Millar, Project Co-Ordinator at Dundee Bairns, explained how this funding is helping local children in the area: “We’re enormously thankful to our local NFU Mutual Agency for nominating us as such donations go a long way to supporting our community projects and feeding children across Dundee.”

Genna added: “Over the summer holidays we served over 37,000 meals. This has doubled from last year which is, sadly, a sign of the times but it is the generosity of our donors, fundraisers and volunteers that makes it possible to respond to the need for school holiday meal provision.”

Mark McBreaty, NFU Mutual regional manager for Scotland, said: “Organisations like Dundee Bairns are making a wonderful difference to communities across Scotland in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in Scotland:

NFU Mutual’s agency offices across Northern Ireland have nominated 30 local charities to receive a combined donation of more than £146,000 from a national £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund’ launched by NFU Mutual’s Head Office.

To ensure these donations reached all corners of the UK and were directed where they’re needed most, NFU Mutual’s agency offices and branches, with over 295 locations nationwide, were given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund. From providing food parcels, donating to frontline health charities and enabling outreach mental health services to continue, the fund is making a difference to communities across the area.

One of the charities to benefit in Northern Ireland, receiving more than £6,300, was Armagh Rural Transport, who were put forward for a donation by NFU Mutual Armagh Agency. The photograph above features Howard Pillow, NFU Mutual Agent in Armagh, Diane Woods, Armagh Rural Transport Driver and Diane Irwin, Armagh Rural Transport Manager.

Dermot Mooney, Armagh Rural Transport (ART) Chairperson, explained how the donation will make a difference: “Lack of transport for those with no access to a private car or Translink routes is a major barrier to so many of our rural dwellers and we are proud of the work that we do to support our rural members getting out and about.” 

Dermot added: “We’re extremely grateful to the NFU Mutual Armagh Agency for nominating ART to receive a donation from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund.  The money will go a long way to help us cover our fuel expenses over the coming months to keep the wheels turning on our buses.”

Martin Malone, NFU Mutual regional manager for Northern Ireland, said: “Organisations like Armagh Rural Transport are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in Northern Ireland:

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agent and branch offices across the north east have nominated 60 local charities in the region to receive a combined donation of more than £280,000 from our £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund'.

One of the charities to benefit in the north east, receiving a donation of more than £6,000, is cancer support charity, Maggie’s Yorkshire, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Boston Spa Agency. The photograph above features NFU Mutual Boston Spa Agents Caroline Pullich, Samantha Webster and Liz Oxley presenting the donation to Amanda Proctor from Maggie’s Yorkshire.

Amanda Proctor, Centre Head Maggie’s Yorkshire, explained what this donation means: “The work that Maggie’s does ensures that people with cancer and their family and friends have access to free support and advice from highly trained members of staff. This means getting useful information about the side effects of treatment, helping with money worries or simply being comforted by a friendly face with a cup of tea.”

Dave Smith, NFU Mutual regional manager for the north east, said: “Charities like Maggie’s Yorkshire are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes across the region to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in North East:

During 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices across the North-West nominated 35 local charities to receive a combined donation of more than £184,000 from our £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund'.

One of the charities to benefit in the North-West, receiving a donation of more than £6,000, was Severn Hospice, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Ludlow Agency. Jessica Druce, Area Fundraiser for Severn Hospice, explained what this donation means: “We’re enormously thankful to the Ludlow agency of NFU Mutual for nominating our charity to receive a donation from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund. All of the care we provide to thousands of people every year is only possible thanks to the generous support we receive from the communities we serve.”

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for the North West, said: “Charities like Severn Hospice are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes across the region to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in North West:

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices across the Midlands nominated 40 local charities in the region to receive a combined donation of more than £178,000 from our £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund’.

One of the charities to benefit in the midlands, receiving a donation of more than £3,000, is The Basement Project, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Bromsgrove Agency. The Basement Project, is a Bromsgrove-based charity supporting young people under the age of 25, with a focus on helping those who are homeless or facing homelessness. The Basement Project hopes this will help over 500 people, essentially doubling the number of food parcels it was able to supply during Christmas last year.

Jerry Robinson, CEO at The Basement Project, explained what the donation means: “We are most grateful for this significant contribution which will help improve the lives of those most in need during the festive season. Without the generous support of the NFU Mutual and our other benefactors we would not be able to support the young people in our community who are in crisis.”

Mike Alder, NFU Mutual regional manager for the midlands, said: “Charities like The Basement Project are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in the Midlands:

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices across the east of England nominated 30 local charities to receive a combined donation of more than £140,000 from the £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund'.

One of the charities to benefit in the east of England is Lincolnshire and Notts Air Ambulance, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Horncastle Agency. The photograph above features the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance Team.

Karen Jobling, Chief Executive Officer of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, explained what this donation means: “The increase in the number of incidents we attend is a stark reminder of the need for this life-saving charity.  And the team know that without the support of local people, they would not be able to deliver such a dedicated and life-saving service. We are enormously thankful to the Horncastle Agency of NFU Mutual for nominating our charity to receive this wonderful donation of £3,189.50 from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund.”

Karen added: “This generosity will help to fund one mission for our helicopter or Critical Care Car. Together with rising costs, especially in the cost of fuel, the amount needed to keep this life-saving charity operational for this year is now set to top £8 million with each mission costing on average £4,000.”

Mike Alder, NFU Mutual regional manager for the east, said: “Charities like Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes across the region to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in the East of England.  

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices and branches across the South East nominated 59 local charities in the region to receive a combined donation of more than £299,000 from our national £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund'.

One of the charities to benefit in the south east, with a donation of more than £6,300, was Home-Start Wessex, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Bournemouth agency. The photograph above features John Heather, NFU Mutual New Forest, Isle of Wight Agency & Bournemouth and Caroline Pope, Home-Start Wessex.

Since 1995, Home-Start Wessex has helped over 3,500 local families and supported over 10,000 children in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, the Purbecks, Blandford and Cranborne and into the Wiltshire and Hampshire borders. Their amazing volunteers offer friendship, practical support and emotional advice to families who are facing difficulties, including poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement, isolation and multiple births. This donation will enable the charity to train and support more volunteers.

Caroline Pope, Community & Corporate Engagement Manager at Home-Start Wessex, said: “We’re enormously thankful to the Bournemouth agency of NFU Mutual for nominating our charity to receive this fantastic donation. The money will make a significant difference in helping us support families in need in our local community.

Caroline added: “These families are facing more challenges than ever, with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Childhood can’t wait, and we know that the help we provide can make a life-changing difference.”

Colin Campbell, NFU Mutual regional manager for the south east said: “Charities like Home-Start Wessex are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these difficult times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in South East:

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices and branches  across the South West nominated 56 local charities in the region to receive a combined donation of more than £287,000 from our £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund’.

One of the charities to benefit in the south west, with a donation of more than £6,300, was Fowey RNLI Lifeboat Station, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Liskeard and St Austell Agency. The photograph above features Fowey RNLI crew member Luke Watts being presented with his lifeboat crew kit by NFU Mutual’s Ian Maddever. Also pictured are the NFU Mutual Liskeard and St Austell team: Mark Taylor, Maddie Long, Richard Keogh, Layla Powell, Zoe Hawes, Matthew Swan, Sophie Bettison, Diane Peters and Richard Young.

Fowey Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Ogg, explained how the donation will make a difference: “We are very grateful for this generous donation from NFU Mutual. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and Fowey lifeboat station is run entirely by volunteers, with just one full-time paid member of staff. The average annual training cost for each individual crew member is £1,400, and each set of crew kit costs around £3,000.”

Chris added: “Without donations from organisations like NFU Mutual, we would not be able to provide our 24/7, 365 day a year service, saving lives at sea.”

Roz Hills, NFU Mutual regional manager for the South West said: “Charities like The RNLI are making a wonderful difference to  our communities and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in the South West:

In 2022, NFU Mutual’s agency offices and branches across Wales nominated 41 local charities across the country to receive a combined donation of more than £210,000 from our £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund'. 

One of the charities to benefit in the Wales with a donation of more than £6,300, was Bronglais Hospital, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Aberystwyth Agency. This donation has helped the hospital’s Bronglais Chemo Appeal to raise the final amount to complete their construction fund of £500,000 to build a new, purpose-built, chemotherapy day unit for the local community. The photograph above features Cathy Davies and Rhys Davies of NFU Mutual Aberystwyth Agency, with Bronglais Hospital Staff Nurses Sarah Garbutt and Becky Fletcher, and Junior Sister Cassie Thomas.

Bridget Harpwood, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We’re enormously thankful to the Aberystwyth agency of NFU Mutual for nominating our charity to receive a donation from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund. 

Bridget added: “With the help of our local communities, our dream of having a brand-new, modern and fit-for-the-future unit to greatly improve the experience for our patients can become a reality. For further information on the Appeal go to:  www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.”

Owen Suckley, NFU Mutual Regional Manager for Wales, said: “Organisations like Bronglais Hospital are making a wonderful difference to communities across Wales in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”

Here are all the causes the 2022 Agency Giving Fund supported in Wales;