Nearly 90% of people in South Wales plan to leave a charitable legacy in Will

Cost of living crisis hasn’t impacted people’s generosity

A recent survey carried out by Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale revealed that 39.5% of people have included a charitable legacy in their Will, with a further 47.2% planning to do so. The figures come ahead of Free Will Writing Month (OCT) which encourages people to not only ensure they have a Will in place, but also to consider remembering a charity in their Will if they can afford to do so.

Encouragingly, the survey also found that nearly a quarter (24.4%) of respondents are considering leaving more than £10,000 to charity in their Will, and more than a third (36.4%) of people leaving a charitable legacy, or planning to, have chosen a local charity to help causes close to them.

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is an independent charity that supports local older people who largely live alone and need extra support with day-to-day activities, or who sometimes, just need company. The charity is heavily reliant on the generosity of legacies and is an advocate of events like Free Wills Month to highlight the importance of planning how you leave your assets when you’re gone.

CEO for Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, Jeff Hawkins, said: “While Free Wills Month offers a prime platform to draw attention to the importance of having a Will, we run an affordable Will Writing Scheme all year round, which offers individuals the chance to officially record their wishes with one of our local trusted solicitors.

“At Age Connects, we receive a number of enquiries from people concerned about what will happen to their assets after they’re gone and who, sensibly, want to plan ahead for the future. Not only can we put them in touch with one of our entrusted solicitors, we can also assist with financial planning and equity release.”

Carli Evans, Director at Passmores Solicitors in Barry, said: “Making a Will is important to everyone of all ages to ensure that assets are given to chosen beneficiaries or to ensure that dependents are cared for by trusted individuals. Without a Will, an individual’s estate will be distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy which may not be in accordance with their wishes. Setting everything out in writing, including executors, beneficiaries, gifts, guardians and even funeral wishes, with the assistance of a professional will hopefully bring peace of mind and an assurance that your wishes after your passing will be followed.” The Will Writing Scheme also offers advice on charitable legacies. Mr Hawkins continued: “It is a common misconception that you have to be wealthy to leave a legacy, however, even the smallest sum forms a vital contribution to our work at Age Connects and goes a very long way in assisting us to help older people in the local area.”

For more information about Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale’s Will Writing Scheme, or to request a legacy brochure, visit https://www.ageconnectscardiff.org.uk/shop.

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Media enquiries:

Natalie Thomas, Effective Communication, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 02920 838 310

Karen Fletcher, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 02920 683 604 / 07584 346 015

Notes to editor:

Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is the operating title of Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
It is an independent local charity that has been providing services for older people since 1974.
Its primary goal is reaching out to older people in the region, many of whom live alone, are physically frail and live below the poverty line.
For further information, visit www.ageconnectscardiff.org.uk

466 people participated in the survey which primarily targeted those in South Wales.

age group donation will leaving charity