Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Age UK Norwich is encouraging people to consider the lasting difference they can make by leaving a gift in their will.

Playing on the old adage “Where there’s a will, there’s a way…”, the campaign highlights how leaving a donation in your Will is a legacy not just to a charity, but a gift to the Norfolk residents, who desperately need the charities support.

The local charity, based in Norwich, supported just under 8,000 people last year - a 38% increase on the previous year. At a time when demand on their services is rising sharply, the need for donations from the public has never been greater.

Bethany Grimshaw, Marketing & Communications Lead said “Only 6% of our funding comes from public donations, and this must grow to keep our services at their current levels, let alone cope with the rising levels of demand, and numbers of older people. Big or small, a gift in a Will can be transformative.”

The charity supports older people facing poverty and hardship, recovering after hospital stays, and experiencing chronic loneliness. Their campaign lists the multitude of services Age UK Norwich offers, which people can choose as part of the conditions of their Will.

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.

In response, Age UK Norwich has secured £3.9 million in financial support for local residents over the last two years, 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. They can also help the inheritance tax bill!

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

“Every pound donated to Age UK Norwich creates around £16 of value for Norwich and Norfolk. If everyone in Norwich donated just a pound, that £150,000 would create £2.4m in impact. That is the power of donations in Wills – it invests into our communities and it serves people need at times of struggle and hardship. I’m sure we all would want that in our town or village.”