A recent survey by ICMIF member, NFU Mutual (UK), highlights that nearly three quarters of respondents from their membership are feeling isolated since the UK lockdown. It has therefore donated GBP 739,000 via its charitable trust, across several national charities, specifically reaching out to the isolated and vulnerable throughout the UK.
This donation is part of an overall GBP 32m support package announced in April for the benefit of its members and communities affected by coronavirus.
UK charities are currently facing a severe funding gap and therefore an inability to provide vital services due to the cancelation of fundraising events. After consulting with its 900,000+ members via the survey, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust will ]distribute additional donations over the coming months and by the end of the year the total is expected to reach GBP 1m. Charities benefiting from the first round of donations are:
- The Addington Fund, The Farming Community Network
- Forage Aid
- The National Emergencies Trust: Coronavirus Appeal
- The Prince’s Countryside Fund
- The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I)
- The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI)
- Rural Support
- Samaritans
Available immediately, donations will support those experiencing stress, worry and financial challenges; help encourage physical and mental wellbeing in the community; and allow charities to provide crucial support services to support individuals and families in rural communities, including:
- free telephone helplines
- e-counselling
- signposting and outreach
- volunteer training
- workshops to improve business management
- one-off grants.
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.”
“Some of these funds will enable charities to ‘stay open’ so they can continue to deliver their much-needed services”.
With over 300 offices located in rural towns and villages through the UK, NFU Mutual is proud to deliver more than simply insurance and remains committed to serving the needs of people who visit, live or work in the countryside. To find out more about their community support, please visit: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/responsible-business
To find out more about the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, please visit: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/
