NFU gives £739,000 support to local communities as isolation escalates
Today (Monday, May 18) marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, with a survey of NFU Mutual customers showing that nearly three quarters of people are feeling more isolated since the UK went into lockdown.
However, the cancellation of fundraising events means that many charities are facing a funding gap, impacting their ability to provide vital services.
The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has made donations across several national organisations that reach out to the isolated and vulnerable.
Early in April, the insurer pledged an additional £750,000 as part of an overall £32m support package committed for the benefit of its members and communities affected by coronavirus.
Additional donations will be distributed by the Charitable Trust to further this support over the coming months and, by the end of the year, it is expected that the overall donations during 2020 will reach £1m.
The charities set to benefit from this first round of donations are:
The Addington Fund, The Farming Community Network (£75,000)
Forage Aid(£14,000)
The National Emergencies Trust: Coronavirus Appeal(£250,000)
The Prince’s Countryside Fund (£50,000)
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (£75,000)
The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (£50,000)
Rural Support (£50,000)
Samaritans (£75,000)
The donations will support those experiencing stress or worry, help families facing financial challenges and encourage physical and mental wellbeing in our communities.
They are available immediately, allowing the charities to continue to provide crucial support services, such as: free telephone helplines, e-counselling, signposting and outreach, volunteer training, workshops to improve business management and one-off grants to support individuals and families in rural communities.
Lindsay Sinclair, group chief executive of NFU Mutual, said: “We understand how isolation is affecting people and families and that our members need these services now more than ever. The emotional and practical support offered by these charities will be vital for all our communities at this challenging time.
“Our members have told us that loneliness, the strain of juggling home and work, financial pressures, lack of broadband and access to general amenities, is impacting every inch of their lives and leading to feelings of heightened anxiety and fear.
“As a result of Covid-19, we know that there are extra demands on charities, which is why we want to help them take care of the 'now,' as well as the future financial health of their organisation."
