NFU Mutual Agents and their staff at the Crediton agency recently nominated local charity Age Concern Crediton and District to receive a donation of more than £6,440 from NFU Mutual’s national £1.92million “Agency Giving Fund.”

The leading rural insurer has launched this fund, now in its fourth year, to help local frontline charities across the country.  

The Agency Giving Fund forms part of NFU Mutual’s £3.25m funding pledge for both local and national charities in 2023, to assist with recovery from the pandemic and to help tackle the impact of the rising cost of living.

To ensure these donations reach all corners of the UK and are directed where they’re needed most, all NFU Mutual Agencies, with more than 295 offices nationwide, have been given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.

Jo Rice, Age Concern Crediton CEO, said: "This incredibly generous donation by the NFU will assist us to provide relevant services to help older people live well in and around Crediton. 

“It will make a real impact in supporting the charity’s vital work with older people in the area. 

“It comes at a time when budgets are becoming tighter and services are more in demand than ever before, with the cost of living crisis continuing to affect the rural community in Mid Devon. 

“We really value the support the NFU give us and the funding will be targeted for maximum impact.

“This autumn we are focussing our efforts on a health prevention model designed to maintain or increase health and mobility, and reduce isolation and loneliness in people over 50. 

“Ageing Well is a nationally recognised concept supported by the health and social care sector. 

“We know that investing in health and wellbeing early in mid-life can pay dividends in later life, helping people stay well and preventing long-term health conditions which can affect quality of life.”

“This is cost effective for both health and social care services and for the general public.

“We are also aiming to extend our reach by making our services more diverse. 

“This will provide people with more choice as it is our aim to reach a larger number of people.  

“We are working in partnership with the local community to deliver a range of new activity - based services to promote healthy lifestyles.

Jo added: “Whilst we continue to deliver our Community Club on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, from 10am to 2.30pm we have also designed new ‘Love Later Life’ sessions. 

“We now have Mat Yoga, Seated Yoga, Seated Circle Dancing, and a nutritious two-course lunch club every week on Thursdays at the Lady Mills Centre in Deep Lane.

“Providing opportunities for social interaction is essential for mental health and we have a new weekly Arty Friends club starting on Wednesday, September 27, from 3pm to 5pm and a twice monthly Menopause Cafe starting on September 25.

“The Menopause Cafe will be a dedicated space where women can come and meet and make friends, and talk about the issues they are facing, with guest speakers invited for further support. 

“The community at Age Concern is still very much re-building after the Covid-19 pandemic and the older, less mobile, rural population are still finding it difficult to come out. 

“We are hoping that we can reach to new people whilst continuing to help those most in need."

Richard Pym at NFU Mutual Crediton Agency, said: “We’re extremely proud to have nominated Age Concern Crediton for this donation and are delighted to be able to support the vital contribution they make to our community. 

“NFU Mutual’s Agency Giving Fund was first created in 2020 in response to the pandemic, and this ongoing support is helping to change lives, providing both emergency support and building long-term resilience."

For more information about your local NFU Mutual Agent in Crediton visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/Crediton .