Throughout June, Acorns has partnered with local law firms from across the region to provide a free Will writing service as part of the Birmingham based charity’s annual Make a Will Month.
If you’re a newlywed, a new parent or have bought a new home, Lindsay Mottram, Acorns Legacy and In Memory Manager, says now is the perfect time to draw up your Will and make sure your wishes are known.
Lindsay explained: “There is so much confusion around Wills. Many people think they are too young, have nothing to leave loved ones or their possessions will automatically go to their spouse or partner, but having a Will is about so much more.
“Your Will is your voice after you are gone – it isn’t just about leaving personal possessions, it’s the best way to plan for your future and ensure your wishes are known, giving you and your loved ones valuable peace of mind.”
Acorns Make a Will Month is not only the perfect opportunity to have a Will professionally written, but by joining the scheme participants can also help local children and families by making a voluntary donation towards the charity’s vital children’s hospice care.
Lindsay added: “It is free to take part in Acorns Make a Will Month and there is no obligation to make a donation to Acorns, although a gift – however big or small – will help us be there for children and families who need us for many years to come.”
Sally Conway knows only too well the difference gifts to Acorns can make for the children and families who use the charity’s services.
As a Family Support Worker at the charity, which operates hospices in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, Sally has seen firsthand the true impact of its lifeline care and support.
Sally, whose role sees her support families throughout their journey, including end of life and beyond, benefited from Acorns Will writing scheme by signing up as part of the 2020 campaign.
She said: “Being in this role at Acorns does bring the importance of making your wishes known and shared to the fore. Making a Will gives you the comfort of knowing that you have laid out plans that are important to you.
“My husband and I needed to make a new Will, but it was just one of those things we hadn’t gotten around to doing. Working for Acorns I wanted to use our scheme and donate money to the charity.
“It was so much cheaper than the cost of a Will and it ticked two boxes for us; we had our Wills drawn up and we were able to support Acorns with a donation, which is what we wanted.
“It’s given us a sense of security now it’s done because none of us know what’s around the corner. It’s also for our loved ones, making things little bit easier when they go through the process.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
In the past year the charity has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,070 families, including those who are bereaved.
It costs the charity £10 million every year to continue – the bulk of which comes from donations and fundraising.
To start the Will making process or for more information, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/mawm
