It is a common misconception that you have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Legacies form a vital contribution in unrestricted funds at Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. These additional funds that have been generously left by supporters in their Wills go a very long way in helping us to help older people in the local area.

So please read on and bear in mind that even a small proportion of what is left over, after your family is taken care of, will have a huge impact, helping Age Concern continue to run crucial services for many years to come.

Why support us?

We are committed to promoting the wellbeing and independence of older people in the local area, particularly providing help and support to those who are vunerable, isolated and in poverty. Leaving a gift in your Will is a great way to ensure that Age Concern can continue to make a difference to the lives of older people living Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. 

In the year 2010-2011 we helped approximately 20,000 older people in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan live a more fulfilled life via our products and services such as: Advocacy, Ageing Well, Counselling, Good Neighbour Scheme, Hospital Discharge Service and Welfare Rights. Further details of the support each service provides can be found under the our services section of our website.

Vunerability, isolation and poverty affect many older people to different degrees and if we are to live in a society where older people are respected and enabled to meet their aspirations then these issues must be addressed. If, like us, you feel passionately about this cause or if Age Concern has helped you or someone you care about, please consider leaving a legacy in your Will to ensure our services can continue to help others.

What are the Different Types of Legacy?

One of the most effective ways to support Age Concern Cardiff & the Vale of Glamorgan in future years is to leave a legacy in your Will and there are a number is ways in which you can do this.

Leaving a share of your estate to Age Concern

This is called a residuary bequest and is a gift of the remainder of your estate after all other bequests have been made and all debts and costs associated with your estate have been settled. At Age Concern we know that caring for your family is a priority. However, after making provision for your family and friends, you can leave whatever is left in your estate - the residue - to Age Concern Cardiff & the Vale of Glamorgan alone or with other charities. 

Leaving a fixed amount of money to Age Concern

This is called a pecuniary bequest and is a gift of a fixed sum of money left to the charity as stated in your Will. Do remember, however, that cash donations tend to decrease in value over time. To avoid this you can either index link your gift or review it periodically to retain its original value.

Leaving a legacy in kind to Age Concern

Specific items such as property, shares, jewellery or furniture can be gifted.  Leaving the contents of your home as a gift in your Will is welcome as our charity shops can maximise the value of the gift.

Changing your Will to add a gift to Age Concern

If you have already made a Will it is important that you keep it up to date. Fortunately making changes to an existing Will, again with the help of a solicitor, is very straightforward. If you wish to add Age Concern to your existing Will, your solicitor will simply prepare a supplement called a Codicil. A Codicil is an addition to your Will that is written in such a way that it does not invalidate the whole document. As is the case with writing a Will, a Codicil will also need the signatures of two independent witnesses.

Your legacy can, of course, be used in any way that you may wish to specify. . However, please note that legacies donated for “general charitable purposes” will allow Age Concern to use your gift in the most appropriate manner.

However you choose to support Age Concern in your Will you can be sure you are making a vital contribution to the health and well-being of older people in Cardiff and the Vale for future years to come.

Tax benefits

You might be interested to note that including a legacy for Age Concern Cardiff & the Vale of Glamorgan in your Will can be a way of effectively redirecting value for the benefit of charity which would otherwise be paid to the taxman. Please ask your solicitor to explain how this can be easily achieved.

Age Concern Will Writing Scheme

70% of people in the UK who could make a Will die without making one. Many think they do not have enough money or possessions to make a Will worthwhile.

As we don’t know what the future holds, writing your Will and keeping it up to date will give you peace of mind. Your loved ones will be protected after you have gone, your wishes will be respected and it can also ensure the taxman isn’t a major beneficiary.

At Age Concern we know that caring for your family is your first priority and that choosing who to remember in your Will is a big decision. Making a Will is the best and simplest way to safeguard everyone’s future and ensure your assets go to the people and causes closest to your heart. Furthermore with a Will, your loved ones are not left to face complicated legal and financial matters at a time when they will already have more than enough to cope with.

How do I make a will?

Thankfully it is relatively easy, quick and inexpensive to have a Will drafted by a properly qualified professional. Age Concern receives a number of enquiries about making a Will and we want to ensure that you have the best possible advice about making your Will so we have set up a Scheme with reliable local solicitors to provide you with what you need.

All featured solicitors are independent but have joined Age Concern to respond to the needs of older people and all are members of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). Please refer to the information and website detailed below for further information. Furthermore, all solicitors offer a home visit service if required. Some firms may charge for this service so please ensure you ask before arranging your appointment or call 02920 527 186 to find out more.