Remember A Charity has partnered with Countdown star, respected lexicographer and etymologist Susie Dent MBE on their mission to change the way people feel about their wills and inspire them to leave the world that little bit better by including a charity.
Recent research has revealed that people in the UK are most likely to think of “death” and “money” when the word will comes to mind. However, Remember A Charity is harnessing the power of words with the term Willanthropy – the act of leaving a gift to charity in your will – to de-stigmatise the conversation and empower people to join a growing movement of those who are choosing to remember a charity in their Will.
Research commissioned by the consortium showed that death is considered the most challenging subject for people across the UK to talk about. 1 in 3 people admitted that they struggle to talk about it, although discussions about sex (28%) and money (18%) are as uncomfortable for many. Over a third (35%) of respondents avoid conversations about Wills altogether because of the discomfort of talking about death. However, almost two thirds (64%) of Brits recognise that it’s important to have discussions about money and death with their loved ones.
Remember A Charity wants to change the way people feel about wills from something commonly associated with death (35%) and money (30%) to a concept that is not only practical, but inspirational and hopeful so as to empower more people to write their will and leave a charitable gift after they’ve taken care of their loved ones. And yet, research found that of those who had had conversations about their will with loved ones, left the conversation feeling wholly positive. Almost 30% say they had clarity and peace of mind, with 28% more confident knowing they or their loved ones will be taken care of and 44% left feeling relieved and empowered.
Research found that nearly 60% of adults say they believe that words can transform hearts and minds and inspire significant change: almost half (47%) agree that the term “body positive” has transformed how we perceive our bodies, 40% acknowledge that “age positive” has reshaped views on ageism. These instances underscore the profound impact words can wield in shaping our perceptions and driving social impact. Remember A Charity and Susie Denthope to do the same with Willanthropy by inspiring the nation to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will. Susie Dent MBE, said:
“Vocabulary is a powerful tool, and I’m excited to be working alongside Remember A Charity on their ‘Willanthropy’ campaign. A blend of the words ‘philanthropy’ and ‘Wills’, ‘Willanthropy’ aims to bring positivity into an area that can be a source of anxiety and contention for many, moving it instead towards one of inspiration and hope. Our wish is that the campaign will open up discussions about changes that could have a profound impact to the charities we love.”
This news comes at a time when UK charities have become increasingly reliant on gifts in wills, which generate £4 billion a year in vital and valued funding. Their partnering charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Dogs Trust note that 50% or more of their funding comes from gifts left in wills and the NSPCC receives an average of £20million per year through leaving a gift in your will to charity. Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, said:
“The Willanthropy movement is growing with around 100 people a day across the UK now choosing to leave a gift to charity in their Will. It’s wonderful to see how many people hope to leave the world a better place by including their favourite charities alongside gifts for their loved ones. Increasingly, we hear from supporters who had been apprehensive about writing their Will, but having made the decision to leave a gift, they come away from the experience feeling empowered and inspired by what their donation could achieve. We all have different touchpoints with charities throughout our lives and a gift in your Will – no matter how big or small – really can make a vital difference.”
To find out more about giving to charity in your Will, visit:
