A national Will writing campaign recently endorsed by the likes of Iain Glen, Robert Peston and Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis is calling on Solicitors across the United Kingdom to sign up their time to help people prepare this important piece of paperwork.
Will Aid, which takes place across the country between 01 – 30 November, and which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is calling on firms nationwide to give up some of their time in return for a voluntary donation which is then split between nine of the UK’s best- loved charities.
Demand for the scheme from the public is extremely high, so solicitors that can take even just a few instructions under the scheme are being urged to get in touch and sign up.
Still need to know what the scheme is?
It is so simple and easy – Law firms volunteer their time and expertise to write basic Wills, waiving their fee, with clients being invited to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid instead. Donations support the vital work of the nine partner charities.
The suggested donation for a basic Will Aid Will is £95 for a single Will and £150 for a pair of mirror Wills.
Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid said:
“We need more solicitors to sign up to be part of the scheme and help local people write a Will, as well as helping us make the 30th anniversary the best yet in terms of donations raised for the nine fantastic charities.
We’re working hard to raise awareness of the generosity of firms involved in their local communities and slots are being snapped up fast, so before our next big publicity push we’re hoping to get more solicitors involved.
We believe that having a professionally written Will is one of the most important documents people can have, and Will Aid makes it easy for people to tick off the to-do list. And that our charities benefit as a result is a real motivator for people to finally get this done!”
Those firms who have taken part in the annual Will Aid scheme over the years have raised a staggering amount of money for charity, often trying to beat their previous years’ total raise to support the vital work of the nine Will Aid charities.
Law firms have proudly echoed to us that not only does Will Aid help them reach people in their local community who do not have a Will but also allows them to give back and contribute to the wider community – by raising money for charities who do incredible work day-in-day-out. And all whilst raising awareness of their firm, so Will Aid really is win win.
More than half of English adults are following in the footsteps of the late music legends Aretha Franklin and Prince in having made no Will, a recent survey by Will Aid revealed.
The study found that 53% of adults have not prepared this vital piece of paperwork, up from 51% in 2017.
James Tarleton, Chair of Will Aid said:
“2018 marks 30 years since the start of Will Aid and this year’s statistics show that, even after three decades, there is still a need for this campaign and to encourage more people to make their Will.
“Not only does making your Will through Will Aid provide peace of mind, by using a professional solicitor, but the nine partner charities use the donations and legacies from Will makers to reach people in crisis, both here in the UK and all around the world.
“As well as making a donation, many people who make their Wills through Will Aid, use this opportunity to provide support to their favourite charities through a gift in their Will. These legacies make a great difference and we are very thankful for those who choose to support our work in this way.”
Will Aid have people waiting to engage with their local solicitor and get their Wills drafted – can you help meet our demand? Please visit our website or speak to the campaign team on 0300 0309 558.
Last year Will Aid raised more than £1.1 million for its charity partners – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland) become a part of something great and sign up today.
For more information visit www.willaid.org.uk
This article was submitted to be published by Will Aid as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
