NFU Mutual gives boost to three local charities

Borders charities Border Women’s Aid, Cheviot Youth and Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Services (BAVS) have received a boost of more than £3,200 each, thanks to staff at the local NFU Mutual agency.
Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders presents the cheque to Carol Walker, service manager at Border Women’s Aid.Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders presents the cheque to Carol Walker, service manager at Border Women’s Aid.
Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders presents the cheque to Carol Walker, service manager at Border Women’s Aid.

The rural insurer announced the £2m Agency Giving Fund in February to support frontline charities impacted by the ongoing lockdown measures, after £1m of support was delivered by the fund in 2020.

To ensure the donations were directed where they were needed most, NFU Mutual reached out to its network of agents to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.

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Gail Stephenson, chair of Cheviot Youth, said: “This has been a difficult time for the charity as we restructure to face the challenges of the pandemic by working more closely with families and the local community.

Caitlin Revel, youth worker at Cheviot Youth; Gail Stephenson, chair of Cheviot Youth; and Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders.Caitlin Revel, youth worker at Cheviot Youth; Gail Stephenson, chair of Cheviot Youth; and Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders.
Caitlin Revel, youth worker at Cheviot Youth; Gail Stephenson, chair of Cheviot Youth; and Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders.

"This money will go towards providing vital mental health support services for children, young people and family members free at the point of delivery in the Cheviot area ... thank you NFU Mutual.”

Juliana Amaral, executive officer at BAVS, said: “The fund will enable us to continue our community capacity work, offering specialised support to local charities and community organisations.

"Our focus is to support our communities to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, building on the community activism that emerged during such difficult times for us all. The donation from NFU Mutual will allow us to continue this fundamental piece of work.”

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Brenda Evans, admin officer at Border Women’s Aid, told us: “In this last year, the work of Border Women’s Aid has become ever more challenging. The pandemic has seen a significant rise in domestic abuse, and new ways of operating have had to be introduced.

Vicky Carmichael, NFU Mutual Borders agent with Juliana Amaral, executive officer at BAVS.Vicky Carmichael, NFU Mutual Borders agent with Juliana Amaral, executive officer at BAVS.
Vicky Carmichael, NFU Mutual Borders agent with Juliana Amaral, executive officer at BAVS.

"We continue to adapt, to support and meet the needs of women and children in the Borders who are affected by such abuse.

“We are delighted to receive this substantial donation from NFU Mutual Borders”.

Richard Forsyth, senior agent at NFU Mutual Borders, said: “Covid-19 has continued to have a huge impact on everybody this year, including our staff, customers, their families and local communities. All of the charities have been making a wonderful difference to our community during these challenging times, and we are extremely proud to hear how our support will make an impact.”

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