More than 180 guests enjoyed the simple pleasure of eating and talking together while raising money to support YANA’s work.
Why fundraise for YANA?
“What inspired me to hold a celebration for our farmers this evening was very much a call out from YANA that they need more exposure in Suffolk”, explained the organiser, Luke Broadley. “I want to shine a spotlight on our farming community, celebrate them, elevate them, and do what we can for them.”
What do YANA fundraisers do?
This occasion was the Longfields Circle Jingle Bells and Barley Ball, held at Kesgrave Hall.
Set up by Luke Broadley, the owner of Longfields, a Suffolk-based insurance broker, the aim of Longfields Circle is to bring like-minded business people for social time together and conversations and connections beneficial to their businesses. These conversations, and the aim of improving knowledge of rural mental health support available in Suffolk, provided the incentive to fundraise for YANA.
During the evening, there was an entertaining raffle, auction and prize giving and the grand total raised was approx. £5,000.
What does YANA offer in Suffolk?
Robin Hepburn, YANA Charity Director, is eager to share that the charity’s main focus is across four counties in East Anglia. “YANA works across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire, providing support for those in the agricultural world and in associated businesses, for when life gets tough.”
YANA’s priorities are rooted in the current reality of farming, adds Robin. “We know the agriculture sector is under huge pressure. And often, for those who work in that area, there are very few people to talk to. So, first and foremost, we provide a helpline that people can call 24/7, because we know that if you’re facing difficult times, silence kills.”
How to make YANA memorable?
Every guest who enjoyed the evening was made aware of how YANA and others in the rural community can provide essential help. YANA wants to be known and remembered as a source of practical help for whoever needs it and whenever that is.
“There was so much fun, so much laughter, but we had the reality of why we were raising the money in the first place, and that was for YANA.” said Luke Broadley. “We had lots of fun in the auction, lots of fun with the magician and the comedian. But it was emotionally draining. We say it again, the world is much better with the farmers in it and, yes, keep talking.”
