Remember us in your will
When we make our wills, we naturally want to make sure our loved ones are cared for. But leaving a legacy donation to charity in your will can also leave something special to the thousands of older people in Solihull who we help when times get tough.
A gift in your will is one of the most meaningful ways to support older people in our borough. By remembering Age UK Solihull, you help ensure that future generations can access the advice, companionship and other support they need to live well in later life.
We are an independent local charity that is dedicated to helping older residents of Solihull.
If you do choose to remember us as your local Age UK in your will, please don't forget the "Solihull" part of our name, or your gift will go to the national charity and may be spent anywhere in the UK.
How do I leave a gift in my will?
It is so easy to leave us a gift in your will - you simply need to give the information below to your solicitor or person drafting your will:
Charity name: Age UK Solihull (remember, the "Solihull" part is important if you want your gift to go to your local Age UK rather than the national charity)
Address: The Core, Central Library Building, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG
Registered charity number: 1055887
Your adviser can agree the words and type of gift which suits your circumstances.
If you already have a will and would like to change it, you can use a codicil, but nowadays it is just as easy for your solicitor to adapt an existing one.
Age UK Solihull is not allowed to give legal advice so please contact a solicitor if you wish to discuss your will. If you do not have a solicitor, you can email info@ageuksolihull.org.uk or call 0121 704 7840 and we can send a list of local solicitors who regularly draft wills (we are not allowed to recommend a particular solicitor).
Why leave a gift in your will to Age UK Solihull?
Age UK Solihull is a local charity and we want to continue to be here for older people in the Solihull borough when they need us most.
A legacy gift helps us provide:
- Advice and information for residents struggling with benefits, housing or money worries
- Befriending and companionship for older people who may go days without speaking to anyone
- Social clubs and activities offering connection, warmth and a hot meal
- Practical support that helps older people stay safe, independent and part of their community
Even a small percentage of your estate can make a lasting difference. You can leave as little as 1% to Age UK Solihull, meaning those closest to you will still be taken care of while you are helping us to be there for future generations of older people in Solihull.
Types of gifts you can leave
- Residuary gift – a percentage of your estate
- Pecuniary gift – a fixed amount
- Specific gift – an item of value
Your solicitor can help you choose the option that works best for you.
Our promises for gifts in wills
We fully recognise this is a private gift and that your circumstances might change in the future.
To reassure you how highly we value the private method of this way of supporting our work, we have developed the following promises:
- We will not put pressure on you to give a gift to us in your will – it is your decision.
- We will never ask you the size or type of gift if you decide to support our work this way.
- We absolutely recognise those closest to you come first in your will.
- You never have to tell us your intentions – we respect your right to privacy.
- We fully understand that personal circumstances change and there might be a time when you must take Age UK Solihull out of your will.
- We promise to use your gift wisely.
- If you want your gift used in a special way please contact us.
If you'd like to let us know you've left us a gift...
We do love to be able to thank our legacy donors for their kindness, so if you do want to tell us about your gift it will enable us to do so. Contact us on 0121 704 7842 or email fundraising@ageuksolihull.org.uk if you'd like to let us know about your gift.
Tax savings
Inheritance tax is complicated, but it is surprisingly easy to avoid paying it or reducing the amount payable! It is likely that for every £1000 you leave us, your estate would save £400 inheritance tax, but please take professional advice.
Letter of wishes
A Letter of Wishes is a document that accompanies your Will. It is not legally binding but can guide your executors (and appointed trustees if you have them) to ensure your personal wishes are carried out. It gives you great flexibility to meet your current wishes without the need for expensive future changes to your Will.
You must take care that a Letter of Wishes does not contain anything that could conflict with the Will. The Letter can advise on anything, but most common uses include:
- Any charities you would like to benefit (giving the Executors the final choice of fulfilling your wish, or not, depending on whether there are enough assets for other beneficiaries).
- Who to notify of your death, or in some cases, who not to tell!
- The style of funeral you want, whether you want burial or cremation, and any specific instructions regarding the service, where you would like to be buried or have your ashes sprinkled.
- Whether you would like flowers or donations in memory of a loved one to charity of your choice such as Age UK Solihull.
- Suggesting guardians for your children and how you would like your children to be raised, their upbringing, education, and where they live. These details should be reviewed as the children grow up.
- Who you would like to look after any pets/animals you own.
- Giving more detailed information to help your executors identify specific items you are giving away in your Will.
- Providing explanations as to why you have excluded someone from the Will, if you think that it may be a controversial decision or challenged later.
A Letter of Wishes should be written in plain English, signed and dated, but not witnessed to avoid any claim that it has become a legal Will or codicil.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Your professional adviser can also draft Lasting Powers of Attorney. There are two lasting powers of attorney – one for financial decisions and another for health and care decisions. But they can be invaluable for you, your children and other older relatives who are not in a position to manage their own affairs. Again, it is important to take professional advice to make sure they are phrased to suit the needs of your whole family.
Legal disclaimer
This information is guidance, not legal advice. Always contact a solicitor or legal professional before including a trust in your Will.
Your gift will help make an "enormous difference"
Contact us to find out more
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will and want more information, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to talk to you further.