On a Mission to Support the Community Through Will Aid 2024

Here at Winston Solicitors, we are proud to announce the success of our participation in Will Aid 2024, the annual charity Will-writing scheme. This year, our Private Client team joined forces with Will Aid to help local people prepare their Wills while raising vital funds for some incredible charities. Taking part in Will Aid demonstrates our ongoing commitment to giving back to the community. 

What Is Will Aid? 

Will Aid is a national charity campaign that pairs up solicitors with people who are in need of professional Will-writing services. Every November, Will Aid offers participants the chance to prepare a professionally written Will while supporting charitable causes. Instead of paying a typical legal fee, clients are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid. These funds are distributed among seven major charities that provide critical support both in the UK and globally.

Charities supported by Will Aid include British Red Cross, which helps communities affected by disasters and crises, Save the Children, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide, and Age UK, which supports older people in leading fulfilling lives.

Since its inception in 1988, Will Aid has raised over £21 million, funding life-changing projects and initiatives. By participating, clients not only secure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones, but also contribute to causes that make a tangible difference in the world.

Dedicating Our Time to Will Aid 2024

This year, our Private Client team dedicated their time and expertise to the Will Aid campaign, offering Will-writing services at no charge throughout November. In return, clients generously donated to the scheme, resulting in a total of £4,236 raised.
We were privileged to help 42 clients prepare their Wills during this time, ensuring that their wishes were clearly outlined for the future. Many clients were surprised to learn how straightforward the process could be. We were pleased to answer their questions, give tailored advice, and provide key documents to protect their families.

Taking part in Will Aid is just one example of our commitment to breaking down barriers to professional legal advice. We firmly believe that preparing a Will is one of the most important steps anyone can take, and Will Aid allows us to make this essential service more accessible while supporting meaningful charitable work.

Our Dedication to Charity and the Community

At Winston Solicitors, community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond our legal work, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. This year, we have supported several charitable initiatives, including our much-loved annual quiz night benefiting Leeds Mencap. Our innovative networking event, the LS8 Meet-Up Group, has also brought together local businesses and raised money for several charities.

Participating in Will Aid allows us to extend our charity efforts even further. Not only does it give us the opportunity to contribute to extraordinary causes. like Trócaire which helps people living in the world’s poorest regions and the NSPCC which fights child abuse in the UK, it enables us to build stronger relationships with clients in Leeds.

Why a Will Is Essential

Despite its importance, research shows that a significant percentage of adults do not have a valid Will in place. Without one, your estate may not be distributed as you would wish, and loved ones could face added stress and uncertainty during an already difficult time. 

Contrary to popular belief, Wills are not just something for elderly people to worry about. Anyone who is aged 18 and over needs a Will, whether they have property or not. Wills don’t just specify what happens to your estate should anything happen to you. A Will indicates your wishes as a whole, and that includes funeral details. It’s also an opportunity to bequeath any items you own to specific people.

Creating a Will allows you to:

• Provide for loved ones by ensuring that your family, friends, or chosen charities receive the support you intend.
• Appoint guardians for children by naming trusted individuals to care for them.
• Reduce inheritance disputes by minimising the risk of disagreements and clearly outlining your wishes.
• Protect your assets by safeguarding your hard-earned property and possessions.
• Inform your loved ones of your wishes in relation to funeral arrangements.

As part of Will Aid, we aim to raise awareness of the benefits of creating a Will, while giving clients a convenient, cost-effective way to put their affairs in order.

Our Involvement in Will Aid 2024

We are incredibly proud of what we achieved through Will Aid this year, and we look forward to participating again in the future. The campaign demonstrates how the legal profession can come together to support charitable causes while empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future.

At Winston Solicitors, we will continue to champion initiatives like Will Aid and work towards making expert legal advice accessible. To our clients who participated this year, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their generosity and trust. Together, we have made a difference.

Get in Touch About Your Will

If you’d like to learn more about our Private Client services, including Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Probate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

You can reach our Private Client team on 0113 320 5000. Alternatively, you can email us at wills&@email.