South West charities receive more than £363,000 from NFU Mutual community fund

Dozens of charities across the South West are set to benefit from more than £363,000 in funding after being nominated by NFU Mutual’s local agents and branch offices to receive support from the insurer’s national Agency Giving Fund.
In total, 46 charities in the region have been awarded a combined £363,354, as part of a wider £2.33 million fund launched by NFU Mutual’s head office. The initiative invited more than 280 NFU Mutual agencies and branches across the UK to nominate local organisations that are making a positive difference in their communities.
The funding is intended to ensure financial support reaches grassroots causes, with the South West awards supporting a broad range of services. These include food parcel provision, frontline health charities and mental health outreach, reflecting the varied needs of communities across the region. By allowing local offices to nominate charities they work closely with, the scheme aims to direct help to where it is most urgently required.
Among the beneficiaries is Children’s Hospice South West, which received £7,899. The charity provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as support for their families.
Nikki Harris, operations manager at Little Harbour children’s hospice, said: “We are so incredibly grateful for this generous donation from NFU Mutual. The donation is allowing us to purchase some specialist equipment needed in the hospice which will all ensure that the babies, children and young people that we support get the best possible care and experience. On behalf of those families, thank you so much.”
North Cornwall Riding for the Disabled Group was also awarded £7,899, following a nomination by NFU Mutual’s Launceston Agency. The group provides riding opportunities for individuals and school groups with disabilities, supported by experienced instructors and a team of volunteers.
Margaret Cunliffe, secretary for the charity, said: “We are grateful to have the support of our instructors and thirty-plus volunteers whose wealth of experience allows us to routinely offer riding to individuals and school groups three days a week. We also have a small but hard-working committee that work tirelessly to raise the necessary funds to keep the group afloat, a task that never gets easier in difficult economic times. We’re so grateful to the Launceston Agency of NFU Mutual for nominating our charity to receive a donation from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund.”
Roz Hills, NFU Mutual regional manager for the South West, said the awards shone a light the importance of supporting local organisations during challenging times. She said: “Charities like Children’s Hospice South West and North Cornwall RDA 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.”