NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Provides Vital Funding to Northern Ireland’s Dedicated Farm Support Charity
Rural Support has expressed its sincere thanks to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for a generous donation of £75,000 to support the charity’s vital work with farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland.
The significant contribution will help Rural Support continue delivering essential programmes and services that support the mental, emotional and practical wellbeing of those working and living in the agricultural sector. As pressures facing farming families continue to mount—from financial uncertainty and market volatility to isolation and mental health challenges—demand for Rural Support’s services has grown rapidly.
Over recent years, demand for Rural Support’s programmes and services has increased by 40%, reflecting the growing need for confidential support and guidance within the farming community. The funding from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust will enable the charity to expand its outreach, strengthen frontline support, and ensure more farmers and farm families can access the help they need when they need it most.
“The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is proud to provide funding to Rural Support to help it continue the important work it does for the farming community across Northern Ireland.
"Farmers face a unique set of pressures, and organisations like Rural Support play a vital role in ensuring people have somewhere to turn for confidential support and practical help when times are tough. We are pleased that this funding will help the charity continue making a real difference within the agricultural community,” said Lauren Finlay, Regional Manager at NFU Mutual.
The donation will directly fund Rural Support’s farm support services, including its confidential Support Line, one-to-one support for farmers and farm families, wellbeing programmes, and early intervention initiatives designed to address challenges before they escalate into crisis.
These services play a critical role not only for individuals and families but also for the wider agri-sector, helping to maintain resilient farm businesses, strengthen rural communities, and safeguard the wellbeing of those who are the backbone of Northern Ireland’s agricultural economy.
Keelin Reilly, Joint Interim CEO at Rural Support said, “On behalf of everyone at Rural Support and the many farmers and families we support, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for this incredibly generous donation.
"This funding will make a tangible difference on the ground, allowing us to reach more people, provide earlier intervention, and ensure farmers know they are not facing challenges alone. The pressures facing the farming community have never been greater, and we are seeing demand for our services grow year on year. Support like this is absolutely crucial in helping us continue our work—but the reality is that the need continues to grow. To ensure we can keep up with increasing demand and continue delivering life-changing support across Northern Ireland, further funding remains essential.”
While this funding provides a significant financial boost, Rural Support warns that ongoing support from individuals, businesses and organisations is crucial to ensure that no farmer or farming family is left to struggle alone.
Rural Support is calling on individuals, organisations and members of the agricultural sector to stand with farming families by helping sustain and grow this essential service. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that farmers and rural families across Northern Ireland have somewhere to turn in times of stress, crisis and uncertainty.