Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Age UK Norwich is marking March Free Wills Month by encouraging people across the city to consider the lasting difference they can make by leaving a gift in their will.

With the theme “Where there’s a will, there’s a way…”, the campaign highlights how legacy gifts help the local charity continue supporting older people facing poverty and hardship, recovering after hospital stays, and experiencing chronic loneliness. The List goes on in the multitude of ways Age UK Norwich supports older people, with their families and carers.

In 2024/25, Age UK Norwich supported 7,940 people across its services - a 38% increase on the previous year. At a time when demand is rising sharply, the need for sustainable funding has never been greater.

For many older people in Norwich, rising living costs and unexpected financial pressures can create significant hardship. Locally, pensioner poverty stands at 22.8%, almost double the national average of 12.9%. At the same time, 15.5% of households in Norwich are experiencing fuel poverty, rising to 24.5% in some areas such as Mile Cross.

This year alone, Age UK Norwich secured £1.5 million in financial support for local residents, helping older people heat their homes, put food on the table and regain financial stability. Gifts left in wills help ensure this vital support can continue.

Leaving hospital can also be a particularly vulnerable time in later life. Without the right support in place, recovery can become overwhelming. During the past year, 2,612 people received Health Coaching support to help them stay active, regain confidence and remain independent. The results are clear: 85% improved their upper and lower limb function, and there was a 14% reduction in fear of falling - a major factor in preventing hospital admissions.

Loneliness remains one of the most pressing challenges facing older people in the city. Norwich is now recognised as one of the loneliest cities in England, with 42% of residents living alone, rising to as high as 65% in some wards.

To tackle isolation, Age UK Norwich delivered 3,360 befriending calls and visits this year, with 81% of people reporting increased confidence as a result of the support they received. No one should feel forgotten or alone. Gifts in wills help sustain and grow these vital connections.

And the list goes on. From practical advice and wellbeing support to working alongside families and carers, Age UK Norwich provides a wide range of services designed to help older people live well and independently for as long as possible - often providing a lifeline during periods of extreme vulnerability.

Making a will does not change today, but it does provide peace of mind for tomorrow. It ensures that personal wishes are honoured and gives individuals the opportunity to reflect their values by supporting causes close to their heart.

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer for Age UK Norwich said:

“A gift in your will is a powerful way to continue supporting your community beyond your lifetime. During Free Wills Month, we’re encouraging people to think about the difference they could make to older people in Norwich, whether that’s helping someone through financial hardship, supporting recovery after hospital, or simply ensuring no one faces later life alone.”