The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) is a grant-making welfare charity that gives confidential help to farming people in financial difficulty.
Launched in 1860, we work across England and Wales. Our HQ is in Oxford but we work at a local level, with a team of 14 regional welfare officers, as well as 10 regional managers who are responsible for fundraising and awareness.
R.A.B.I helps working farmers and farmworkers who have suffered accidents or ill-health or whose livelihoods are threatened by such things as bad weather or animal disease. Help is tailored to individual need.
We also provide long-term support to the elderly, sick and disabled.
In 2017, £1.99 million was paid out in grants to around 1,260 individuals and families. Of this, £297k was paid to working farmers and we helped people claim £473k in state benefits.
We can help in a diverse range of ways, depending on circumstances. Examples include: covering the costs if you have a sick child in hospital, paying domestic utility bills, providing food vouchers and hampers, funding farm staff if you’re sick or injured, buying white goods and/or disability equipment, helping you claim state benefits, organising free business appraisals and arranging free debt advice.
If you or someone you know needs R.A.B.I’s help, call the confidential helpline 0808 281 9490.