Leave a Gift in Your Will
Leave a Gift in Your Will
Let kindness be your legacy
A gift in your will can make a lasting difference to older people in Westminster.
For almost 80 years, Age UK Westminster has been here for older people in our community — offering friendship when someone feels lonely, advice when life becomes difficult, and practical support when they need it most.
Once you've taken care of the people you love, leaving a gift to Age UK Westminster is a wonderful way to leave something meaningful behind.
Your kindness can make a lasting difference
Imagine an older person who has become isolated and doesn't know where to turn.
A friendly call from a volunteer. Help understanding their benefits. A warm lunch and the chance to meet other people. Someone to listen when things feel overwhelming. These moments can make a huge difference.
By leaving a gift in your will to Age UK Westminster, you can help us continue providing the friendship, advice and practical support that older people in our community rely on.
Your legacy could help us:
Your gift will help Age UK Westminster continue to be there for older people — today, tomorrow and for years to come.
What could your legacy help make possible?
A gift in your will can help Age UK Westminster respond to the needs of older people in our community. Your legacy could help provide:
Friendship
Helping older people feel less alone through befriending, companionship and social activities.
Advice
Giving older people somewhere to turn when they need information, guidance or practical support.
Connection
Creating welcoming spaces where older people can meet, participate and build new friendships.
Support in difficult times
Helping us reach older people who may be particularly vulnerable or facing challenges in their lives.
We can't predict what the needs of older people will be in the future. An unrestricted gift gives us the flexibility to use your legacy where it can make the greatest difference.
A little support can make a big difference
When Lexi began experiencing increasing isolation following a dementia diagnosis, everyday life became more difficult.
Through Age UK Westminster's Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) programme, Lexi found a safe and supportive place where she could spend time with others, build friendships and regain confidence.
It's about much more than a weekly session. It's about having somewhere to go, people to talk to and the opportunity to feel connected again.
Gifts in wills help make this kind of support possible. Your legacy could help an older person find friendship when they're lonely, get the advice they need when they're struggling, or discover a welcoming community when they feel isolated.
"It's about having somewhere to go, people to talk to and the opportunity to feel connected again."
Every gift makes a difference
You don't have to leave a large sum to make a difference.
Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate to charity after providing for their family and loved ones. Others leave a specific amount or a particular possession.
Whatever you choose to leave, your gift can help Age UK Westminster continue supporting older people in our community for years to come.
Once you've looked after the people you love, please consider leaving a gift to Age UK Westminster.
How to leave a gift in your will
Making a will is one of the best ways to make sure your wishes are respected and the people and causes you care about are looked after.
If you don't have a will, or your existing will needs updating, we recommend speaking to a qualified professional, such as a solicitor or will-writing specialist.
Already have a will?
You may not need to rewrite your entire will. Depending on the change you want to make, your solicitor may be able to add a simple amendment called a codicil. They can advise you on the best option for your circumstances.
Don't have a will yet?
Age UK Westminster offers access to a free will-writing service, making it easier to put your wishes in place.
Find out more about our free will service →Different types of gifts you can leave
There are several ways you can remember Age UK Westminster in your will.
A residuary gift
A percentage or share of what's left of your estate after debts, expenses and gifts to your loved ones have been dealt with. This can be a particularly useful way of leaving a gift to charity because its value can change with the size of your estate.
A pecuniary gift
A fixed sum of money left to Age UK Westminster in your will.
A specific gift
A particular possession, such as jewellery, artwork or another valued item.
You can choose the type of gift that's right for you. We recommend speaking to a solicitor or other qualified professional when making or updating your will.
Suggested wording for your solicitor
If you'd like to leave a gift to Age UK Westminster, you can give your solicitor the following details:
Age UK Westminster
Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL
Registered Charity Number: 1018300
Your solicitor will advise you on the appropriate wording for your circumstances. As an illustration, this may be along the following lines:
"I give [the sum of £____ / ____% of the residue of my estate / specific item] to Age UK Westminster, of Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL, Registered Charity Number 1018300, for its general charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors."
Please ask your solicitor to confirm the appropriate wording for your individual circumstances.
Thinking about leaving a gift to Age UK Westminster?
You don't have to make a decision today.
We're happy to answer your questions, send you our free legacy guide or simply have a confidential conversation about leaving a gift in your will. There's no obligation and you don't need to tell us whether you've decided to leave a gift.
Download your free legacy guide
Our guide provides helpful information about making or updating your will and leaving a gift to Age UK Westminster.
Your free guideTalk to our Legacy Team
If you'd like to talk to someone about leaving a gift in your will, we're here to help.
Contact our Legacy TeamFrequently asked questions
Do I need to be wealthy to leave a gift in my will?
No. You don't need to be wealthy to leave a legacy.
Every gift can make a difference, whatever its size. Some people choose to leave a small percentage of their estate after providing for their loved ones.
Will my family still be provided for?
Of course. Your loved ones should always come first.
Many people choose to provide for their family and friends before leaving a gift to charity from whatever remains of their estate. A solicitor can help you make arrangements that reflect your wishes.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You can update your will at any time.
If you've already included Age UK Westminster in your will but later decide you'd like to make a change, speak to your solicitor. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to make the change through a codicil or recommend creating a new will.
Will my gift be used locally?
Yes. Gifts left to Age UK Westminster support our work with older people in Westminster.
Your legacy will help us continue providing local services, support and community activities for older people.
Can I choose how my gift is used?
You can discuss your wishes with us.
However, leaving an unrestricted gift allows Age UK Westminster to use your legacy where the need is greatest at the time. This flexibility is particularly valuable because the needs of older people and our community can change over time.
If you have a particular area of our work you'd like to support, please talk to our Legacy Team.
Is leaving a gift to charity tax efficient?
Gifts to registered charities are generally exempt from Inheritance Tax.
In some circumstances, leaving at least 10% of your net estate to charity can also reduce the rate of Inheritance Tax applicable to the rest of your estate.
Tax rules can change and depend on your individual circumstances, so we recommend speaking to a solicitor or qualified financial adviser for advice.
Do I need to tell Age UK Westminster if I've included you in my will?
No. There is absolutely no obligation to tell us.
However, if you do choose to let us know, we'd love the opportunity to thank you and acknowledge your generosity. Anything you choose to share with us will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
What if I already have a will?
You may not need to make a completely new will.
If you'd like to include Age UK Westminster in an existing will, speak to your solicitor. They can advise whether a codicil or a new will would be most appropriate.
Can I leave something other than money?
Yes. A gift in your will can include money, property or a specific possession.
Your solicitor can advise you about the most appropriate way to leave a particular gift.
Can I leave a gift anonymously?
Yes. You don't have to tell us that you've included Age UK Westminster in your will.
If you do choose to tell us, however, we'd be very grateful and would be able to thank you personally.
Help create a kinder Westminster for older people
A gift in your will can reach far beyond your lifetime.
It can help ensure that an older person experiencing loneliness has someone to talk to. That someone struggling with money knows where to turn. That an older person living with dementia has somewhere welcoming to go. And that older people in our community can continue to live with dignity, connection and independence.
Once you've taken care of those closest to you, please consider making Age UK Westminster part of your legacy. Your kindness today can help make sure we're there for older people tomorrow.
Contact us
If you're considering leaving a gift to Age UK Westminster, we'd love to hear from you. Our Legacy Team can answer your questions, send you further information or simply have a confidential conversation about your wishes.
There is no obligation and no pressure to leave a gift. Thank you for considering Age UK Westminster as part of your legacy.
📧 enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk
Age UK Westminster
Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue
London W10 4JL