RABI Volunteer Newsletter – July 2025
Welcome to the latest online newsletter for RABI volunteers.
Return to School 2025
This year, RABI will reward £1 million in Return to School (RTS) grants to help farming families in need with the costs of school essentials. The campaign provides a £200 grant per school-aged child (aged 4–16) to ease the financial pressure of returning to school.
RTS 2025 was rolled out in two phases, each offering £500,000 in grants. Phase 1 launched on 16 June and Phase 2 followed on 30 June.
The main campaign web page had 8,964 views and 4,598 active users (applicants for the grant). Our central team handled over 130+ social media enquiries, a clear indication of the ongoing need within our communities.
The campaign also helped us raise awareness, as RABI Facebook posts reached 50,000+ people (not including RABI stories or RABI Instagram).
Applications are now being processed, with successful applicants to be notified by September in time for the start of the new school term. Thank you to everyone who helped share the campaign and signpost support to farming families. Your efforts are helping ensure we reach those most in need.
FarmersAid
RABI has announced the forthcoming launch of FarmersAid, a pioneering initiative that will provide farmers with vital, real-time trauma guidance to use in the crucial moments following a serious on-farm accident.
Launching in January 2026, the first phase of FarmersAid will centre around a free, easy- to-use smartphone app. The app will offer step-by-step instructions for treating the most common life-threatening injuries on farm – such as crush incidents, falls from height, and severe bleeding – enabling users to act fast and effectively before emergency services can reach the scene.
Beyond the app, FarmersAid includes plans for on-farm critical care kits, training pilots, wellbeing referrals and educational outreach programmes throughout the agricultural sector.
With farming remaining the most dangerous industry in the UK, FarmersAid aims to provide fast, practical help when it’s needed most.
We will be providing further updates for volunteers ahead of the launch next year. Volunteers will play an important role in raising awareness and supporting engagement at events such as agricultural shows.
New Guidance: Recruiting Committee Members
We’re delighted to introduce new guidance: Helpful Tips on How to Recruit New Committee Members.
Developed in collaboration with the Volunteer Voice group, this resource draws on valuable insights from volunteers and staff. It is designed to help committee members confidently grow their groups and welcome new members. We hope you find it useful.
We’d like to remind all volunteers that any new committee members must be formally registered via the RABI website. This step is vital, as it ensures:
- All volunteers are covered by our insurance
- Volunteers receive access to resources and communications (such as this newsletter)
- Individuals can take part in broader RABI initiatives
- RABI can offer the right level of support and guidance
Due to GDPR requirements, we can’t include volunteers who are not formally registered. Full details on how to register can be found in the Volunteer Handbook, which is available on the Volunteer Resources section of our website.
Connect & Share: Making the Most of Committee Events
Our first Connect & Share event was a great success. This new online series is designed to bring together committee members from across England and Wales to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements and learn from one another.
The inaugural session focused on how to make the most of committee events, and we were thrilled to welcome over 20 volunteers from a variety of committee roles.
The atmosphere was friendly, open and full of energy. From Farmhouse Breakfasts to community fetes (and yes, even frog races!), we heard about some truly creative approaches to fundraising.
We look forward to planning our next Connect & Share virtual event in the Autumn.
RABI at Agricultural Shows: Farm Stay Free Summer Prize Draw
This summer, RABI is attending nearly 100 agricultural shows. At these shows, we will be inviting visitors to enter our exciting Free Summer Prize Draw for the chance to win Farm Stay holiday vouchers. The competition is open to all visitors to RABI stands and will run until 15 September.
So far, we’ve already received over 300 entries. It’s a fun and engaging way to promote the charity and talk to showgoers about the support we offer the farming community.
If you would like to find out more or support this initiative at your local show, please contact volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
Local Committees in Action
Across England and Wales, RABI committees are running a wide variety of imaginative and engaging events, from Hog Roasts and Open Gardens to Frog Races and Cream Teas. These events not only raise essential funds but also help raise awareness of RABI’s work in the local community.
Gloucestershire RABI’s annual farm walk, kindly hosted this year by Cotswold Farm Park
If you’re not currently involved in your local committee, why not go along and support an event by attending? For more details on upcoming events, please click the button below.
Volunteer Recruitment Campaign 2025
We’re delighted to share that since launching our new volunteer recruitment campaign earlier this year, more than 90 new volunteers have joined RABI to support our work at agricultural shows and community events, and we’ve already received some wonderful feedback from them.
One said, “I met lovely people and felt part of a bigger RABI picture.”
Another said, “I enjoyed the whole time I was there.”
Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign and helped welcome new faces into our volunteer community.
If you know someone who may be interested in getting involved, you can view and share current volunteer roles by clicking the button below.
Remembering Alan Duggleby and Jill Themans
We are very saddened to share the news of the recent passing of Alan Duggleby and Jill Themans, who were long-serving and highly valued members of the East Yorkshire and Shropshire RABI Committees respectively.
Alan was a dedicated volunteer who gave so much of his time and energy to support farming people in his community. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Dorothy and all who knew him.
Jill’s unwavering dedication and compassion over many decades made a lasting impact. Our heartfelt thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
We extend our sincere condolences to Alan and Jill’s family, friends and fellow committee members.
Staff Updates
Welcome to Zoe Hughes, RABI’s New Volunteering Support Officer
We are pleased to welcome Zoe Hughes to the central volunteering team as our new Volunteering Support Officer, taking over from Matilda Heron.
Zoe brings with her a strong background in charity fundraising and has already hit the ground running, working alongside Verenique to support volunteers across the country.
If you need support from the central volunteering team, please continue to contact us via volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
Welcome to Sandy Kapila, RABI’s New Head of External Affairs
We’re delighted to welcome Sandy Kapila to the RABI team as our first Head of External Affairs.
Joining us this July, Sandy brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished civil service career focused on agricultural policy, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently, he served as Head of Ministerial, Parliamentary and Public Affairs at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), where he played a central role in enhancing collaborative engagement and shaping public affairs strategy.
Sandy shared: “I am incredibly proud to be joining RABI as the charity’s first Head of External Affairs. RABI has a strong legacy of helping the farming community across England and Wales and I am privileged to be able to contribute to their efforts to make a positive difference.”
We’re excited to have Sandy on board and look forward to the impact his expertise will have as we continue to grow and strengthen our connections across the sector.
We Value Your Feedback
We are always looking to improve how we support our volunteers. If you have ideas, feedback or thoughts to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch at volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
RABI Volunteer Newsletter – July 2025
Welcome to the latest online newsletter for RABI volunteers.
Return to School 2025
This year, RABI will reward £1 million in Return to School (RTS) grants to help farming families in need with the costs of school essentials. The campaign provides a £200 grant per school-aged child (aged 4–16) to ease the financial pressure of returning to school.
RTS 2025 was rolled out in two phases, each offering £500,000 in grants. Phase 1 launched on 16 June and Phase 2 followed on 30 June.
The main campaign web page had 8,964 views and 4,598 active users (applicants for the grant). Our central team handled over 130+ social media enquiries, a clear indication of the ongoing need within our communities.
The campaign also helped us raise awareness, as RABI Facebook posts reached 50,000+ people (not including RABI stories or RABI Instagram).
Applications are now being processed, with successful applicants to be notified by September in time for the start of the new school term. Thank you to everyone who helped share the campaign and signpost support to farming families. Your efforts are helping ensure we reach those most in need.
FarmersAid
RABI has announced the forthcoming launch of FarmersAid, a pioneering initiative that will provide farmers with vital, real-time trauma guidance to use in the crucial moments following a serious on-farm accident.
Launching in January 2026, the first phase of FarmersAid will centre around a free, easy- to-use smartphone app. The app will offer step-by-step instructions for treating the most common life-threatening injuries on farm – such as crush incidents, falls from height, and severe bleeding – enabling users to act fast and effectively before emergency services can reach the scene.
Beyond the app, FarmersAid includes plans for on-farm critical care kits, training pilots, wellbeing referrals and educational outreach programmes throughout the agricultural sector.
With farming remaining the most dangerous industry in the UK, FarmersAid aims to provide fast, practical help when it’s needed most.
We will be providing further updates for volunteers ahead of the launch next year. Volunteers will play an important role in raising awareness and supporting engagement at events such as agricultural shows.
New Guidance: Recruiting Committee Members
We’re delighted to introduce new guidance: Helpful Tips on How to Recruit New Committee Members.
Developed in collaboration with the Volunteer Voice group, this resource draws on valuable insights from volunteers and staff. It is designed to help committee members confidently grow their groups and welcome new members. We hope you find it useful.
We’d like to remind all volunteers that any new committee members must be formally registered via the RABI website. This step is vital, as it ensures:
- All volunteers are covered by our insurance
- Volunteers receive access to resources and communications (such as this newsletter)
- Individuals can take part in broader RABI initiatives
- RABI can offer the right level of support and guidance
Due to GDPR requirements, we can’t include volunteers who are not formally registered. Full details on how to register can be found in the Volunteer Handbook, which is available on the Volunteer Resources section of our website.
Connect & Share: Making the Most of Committee Events
Our first Connect & Share event was a great success. This new online series is designed to bring together committee members from across England and Wales to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements and learn from one another.
The inaugural session focused on how to make the most of committee events, and we were thrilled to welcome over 20 volunteers from a variety of committee roles.
The atmosphere was friendly, open and full of energy. From Farmhouse Breakfasts to community fetes (and yes, even frog races!), we heard about some truly creative approaches to fundraising.
We look forward to planning our next Connect & Share virtual event in the Autumn.
RABI at Agricultural Shows: Farm Stay Free Summer Prize Draw
This summer, RABI is attending nearly 100 agricultural shows. At these shows, we will be inviting visitors to enter our exciting Free Summer Prize Draw for the chance to win Farm Stay holiday vouchers. The competition is open to all visitors to RABI stands and will run until 15 September.
So far, we’ve already received over 300 entries. It’s a fun and engaging way to promote the charity and talk to showgoers about the support we offer the farming community.
If you would like to find out more or support this initiative at your local show, please contact volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
Local Committees in Action
Across England and Wales, RABI committees are running a wide variety of imaginative and engaging events, from Hog Roasts and Open Gardens to Frog Races and Cream Teas. These events not only raise essential funds but also help raise awareness of RABI’s work in the local community.
Gloucestershire RABI’s annual farm walk, kindly hosted this year by Cotswold Farm Park
If you’re not currently involved in your local committee, why not go along and support an event by attending? For more details on upcoming events, please click the button below.
Volunteer Recruitment Campaign 2025
We’re delighted to share that since launching our new volunteer recruitment campaign earlier this year, more than 90 new volunteers have joined RABI to support our work at agricultural shows and community events, and we’ve already received some wonderful feedback from them.
One said, “I met lovely people and felt part of a bigger RABI picture.”
Another said, “I enjoyed the whole time I was there.”
Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign and helped welcome new faces into our volunteer community.
If you know someone who may be interested in getting involved, you can view and share current volunteer roles by clicking the button below.
Remembering Alan Duggleby and Jill Themans
We are very saddened to share the news of the recent passing of Alan Duggleby and Jill Themans, who were long-serving and highly valued members of the East Yorkshire and Shropshire RABI Committees respectively.
Alan was a dedicated volunteer who gave so much of his time and energy to support farming people in his community. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Dorothy and all who knew him.
Jill’s unwavering dedication and compassion over many decades made a lasting impact. Our heartfelt thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
We extend our sincere condolences to Alan and Jill’s family, friends and fellow committee members.
Staff Updates
Welcome to Zoe Hughes, RABI’s New Volunteering Support Officer
We are pleased to welcome Zoe Hughes to the central volunteering team as our new Volunteering Support Officer, taking over from Matilda Heron.
Zoe brings with her a strong background in charity fundraising and has already hit the ground running, working alongside Verenique to support volunteers across the country.
If you need support from the central volunteering team, please continue to contact us via volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
Welcome to Sandy Kapila, RABI’s New Head of External Affairs
We’re delighted to welcome Sandy Kapila to the RABI team as our first Head of External Affairs.
Joining us this July, Sandy brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished civil service career focused on agricultural policy, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently, he served as Head of Ministerial, Parliamentary and Public Affairs at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), where he played a central role in enhancing collaborative engagement and shaping public affairs strategy.
Sandy shared: “I am incredibly proud to be joining RABI as the charity’s first Head of External Affairs. RABI has a strong legacy of helping the farming community across England and Wales and I am privileged to be able to contribute to their efforts to make a positive difference.”
We’re excited to have Sandy on board and look forward to the impact his expertise will have as we continue to grow and strengthen our connections across the sector.
We Value Your Feedback
We are always looking to improve how we support our volunteers. If you have ideas, feedback or thoughts to share, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch at volunteering@rabi.org.uk.
