In its new Responsible Business Report, launched this week, ICMIF member NFU Mutual (UK) looks back at some of its 2020 support initiatives. These include GBP 1m of local frontline charity funding through the Agency Giving Fund, efforts to tackle rural crime, training for young drivers and support for the Farm Safety Foundation’s physical and mental health campaigns.

The report also highlights NFU Mutual’s highlights life changing rehabilitation approach to catastrophic injury. In the report, readers will learn how a 33-year-old engineer and father-of-one, who suffered a devastating crush injury at work, has expressed his gratitude for the ‘monumental difference’ made by NFU Mutual’s rehabilitation programme.

Ben Amis (pictured), whose leg was amputated below the knee following the accident, has since been fitted with a custom-made prosthetic. His rehabilitation included consultant reviews, physiotherapy, hydro-therapy and psychological support. This has enabled him to return to work, starting his own company.

Ben also received help with modifications to his home, including a new heating system to replace the existing wood fired boiler as he was no longer able to chop and carry wood.

To support Ben’s mental and physical health, NFU Mutual also supported him with an adapted car to maximise independence, an e-bike so Ben could continue cycling with his son, and a water activity limb and wetsuits to reconnect him with his love of sailing, climbing and snow-boarding.

Ben said, “My rehab experience is so hard to put into words, but it changed my life instantly. I was rapidly spiralling downwards at the point before rehab was involved. The Occupational Therapist from Independence Works, Rachel, made an absolute monumental difference to my life and I am so grateful.”

“I really appreciated the NFU Mutual Claims Handler, Steve, being very open minded to Rachel’s suggestions, and his genuine approach. He really wanted me to get better rather than me just being a claimant. It was a very personal touch.”

NFU Mutual settled Ben’s claim within 18 months of being notified, enabling him to move on with his life. The total number of cases referred by NFU Mutual for Occupational Therapy in 2020 was 589, with a further 770 for physiotherapy and an additional 91 with mental health related concerns.

Samantha Paddon, Rehabilitation Manager at NFU Mutual, said: “Ben’s story is such an inspiring one. He has had to overcome so much and it’s amazing to see the progress he’s made in such a short space of time.

“NFU Mutual’s bespoke rehabilitation programme focuses on supporting our customers and meeting both the short- and long-term needs of injured claimants. NFU Mutual’s approach is to work collaboratively from day one, making quick decisions to fund early rehabilitation, offering to pay for pioneering surgery, the latest technology and custom-made adaptations in order to maximise quality of life, independence, and where possible, a return to work. Ben’s story makes it clear that this approach is the right one.”

The rehabilitation programme is just one of the ways NFU Mutual says it strives to be a responsible business. The insurer has been supporting its customers and their communities for over a hundred years, and last year that support became more important than ever. NFU Mutual’s new Responsible Business Report, details a number of its 2020 support initiatives.

To see the full report, please click here.