NATS announces charity partnerships to support local communities

NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, is proud to announce three new local charity partnerships in the Hampshire and Ayrshire region. Spearheaded by employee-led, site-based ‘charity panels’, Sophie’s Legacy, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and the Micah Project will receive NATS funding and hands-on support, so all charities can continue with and develop the vital work they provide in the area. The charities were chosen following an employee vote and will be partnered with for at least two years. 

“The Micah Project, is all about helping families thrive with dignity and hope,” commented Helen Hogg, charity lead at the Micah Project. “Partnerships like this mean we can walk alongside more people, not just meeting needs, but building community.” 

Commenting on behalf of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Natalie Russell, engagement lead, said: “Partnering with NATS is transformational for us, it will allow us to help more families and increase awareness of our work and mission.” 

Adding to this, Charlotte Fairall, founder and Sophie’s mum shared, “Sophie’s Legacy is incredibly proud to be chosen as a NATS charity partner. This means more than just fundraising; it’s about creating real change for children and families at their most challenging times.”

NATS will provide involvement opportunities, dedicated fundraising, and additional resources to support the causes as well as help to raise awareness. This complements the existing corporate charity collaborations NATS has with Aerobility, which provides disabled individuals with access to experience the joy of flight and the Jon Egging Trust, which supports young people who are struggling to engage with education. 

The air traffic provider, which manages some of the busiest and most complex airspace in Europe, also supports a range of local and national causes and community groups through their internal funding scheme, the NATS Community Fund. Last year, the fund donated over £125,000 to more than 130 causes across the UK. 

“We are excited to work together to help these causes in their ambition to reach more people that need support,” Mhairi Balmer, Head of Centres Delivery for NATS Prestwick, said. “I’m in awe of what each charity does and how relatively small teams can achieve so much,” added Andrew Sheppard, Head of Centres Delivery at NATS Swanwick. 

This commitment to supporting local causes underlines NATS’ ambition to make a positive difference in the communities in which its employees live and work. By partnering with charities that deliver essential services and support, NATS ensures its community engagement extends well beyond its core operations in air traffic management. 

About Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is a charity that provides specialist pre-hospital care the most seriously ill and injured people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight when they need it most. The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely upon the generosity of individuals and organisations to help save lives. It costs £17,500 a day to maintain the life-saving service, with each mission costing £3,500 on average. Available both day and night, 365 days a year, the charity’s Critical Care Teams are called out to an average of seven incidents every day, including cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, falls and assaults. The highly skilled crews of doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics can be at the scene of an incident within minutes, ready to deliver the same level of care that you would expect from a hospital emergency department. 

About Sophie’s Legacy 

Sophie’s Legacy is a UK charity inspired by the final wishes of 10-year-old Sophie Fairall who sadly died from cancer in September 2021. The charity works to improve the experiences of families with children in hospital by tackling practical challenges, supporting caregiver wellbeing, and advocating for systemic change across the NHS. Through collaboration with hospitals, communities, and policymakers, Sophie’s Legacy is committed to making Sophie’s wishes a reality for families across the country.

About The Micah Project 

The Micah Project is a registered charity based in Ayrshire, dedicated to helping families thrive by offering practical support in simple, sustainable ways. They reuse and repurpose clothes, share surplus food, and support schools with essentials like uniforms and period products. Through these initiatives they have built a community to make sure no one feels left out.