Legacy leaflet

Life is precious. Pass it on Your guide to gifts in Wills

Life is precious A message from Dave

At Livability, we want disabled people to enjoy life to the full.

Our sole aim is to help people improve their quality of life, freedom of choice and expression, dignity and self-respect by providing services which support and empower people throughout their lives.

If this is something you want to see too, then leaving a gift to Livability in your Will is a wonderful way to let your values live on.

For many of us, a legacy is an opportunity to make a greater contribution than we could ever consider in our lifetime.

So please, if you can consider helping us in this special way (after providing for your loved ones) do let us know on the reply form on page 13 so that we can thank you. Any information you give us will be kept confidential.

Thank you.

Call the gifts in Wills team

020 7452 2118

Dave Webber Interim CEO, Livability

Pass it on If you do choose to support Livability in your Will, you’ll ensure the legacy of our founders, John Groom and Lord Shaftesbury, lives on.

In the 19th century, the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury was famous for introducing humane working conditions, as well as education for poor children through the Ragged Schools movement. John Groom founded the Flower Girls Mission and pioneered employment for disabled people.

Over the years, our work has expanded and adapted to meet the changing needs of the most disadvantaged members of society. We have an impressive track record of developing innovative and effective projects around the country.

Our founders, John Groom (top) and Lord Shaftesbury

The Rose Fellowship has been created to honour and unite those supporters who decide to remember us in their Wills. As an individual you may not feel you have much to give, but the combined gifts of all Fellowship members are substantial, and will help to transform the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people in the years to come.

Anyone who tells us they are remembering us in their Will is enrolled in the Fellowship, and will receive extra information about projects, invitations to special events, a certificate of thanks and an opportunity to have a name inscribed in the Book of Remembrance.

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How your gifts can change lives When Hugo was severely injured after a brutal knife attack, he lost his zest for life and was afraid to go out. Thankfully, Livability’s Lifestyle Choices service opened up his world again, allowing him to rediscover some of his favourite sports, like archery. There are thousands more people like Hugo we aim to help by opening new Lifestyle Choices service around the country. Your gifts can help.

“Every parent wants to see their child taking their first steps, but when you have waited nine years it’s just so overwhelming!” Michelle’s mother was amazed at the progress she made, thanks to the help of staff at Victoria Education Centre, Livability’s school in Dorset. We are investing in a multi-million pound rebuilding programme that will benefit hundreds of children like Michelle for years to come, but we rely heavily on gifts in Wills.

Danny lives in a Livability flatlet that gives him the opportunity to live independently and acquire new skills within a supportive environment, alongside other young adults with physical and learning disabilities. But he will be able do so much more once we have modernised the facilities. Livability has to pay for this refurbishment almost entirely from donations and legacies.

Call the gifts in Wills team

020 7452 2118 4

Why I’m leaving a gift to Livability in my Will “ I felt it was really important to perpetuate my ongoing interest in Livability, and ensure that what I feel deeply passionate about now is what I can continue to be involved in after I’ve gone. I decided to leave a percentage of my Will to Livability, alongside other legacies to other charities. It was the fairest way that I could think of dividing out my assets.”

Maureen Staniforth

“ Due to my nursing work, I am very aware of the special need for housing and independence for disabled people, so I am very happy to support your work, both now and in the future.”

Jane Webb

“ As a financial man, I understand the importance of this kind of gift to enable Livability to continue their worthwhile work.”

Allan Plumpton

Did you know?

Livability relies on income from legacies to raise more than a third of our annual income.

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Ways to let your values live on

A smile is infectious. Pass it on.

Our highly professional staff are committed to helping young people with complex needs to realise their potential

A gift is most useful if it is given for the general purposes of Livability, rather than to a specific project.

Otherwise, if the project ceases, the gift may be invalid. However, you can always let us know your preference for where the legacy is spent, in a separate “expression of wishes” letter kept with your Will.

Call the gifts in Wills team

020 7452 2118 6

Once you have provided for your loved ones, you might choose to dedicate some of your estate to a cause you care about – such as giving disabled people the chance to live life to the full.

Here are some ways to support Livability in your Will.

• Residuary legacy Whatever remains from your estate after all other gifts and expenses have been deducted, can be divided between charities that you name. This is the most flexible type of legacy and combats inflation because the value of your gift increases automatically.

• Pecuniary (cash) legacy A fixed sum of money. Even small cash sums are valuable, as they all add up to a substantial total.

• Specific legacy A specific asset, such as a piece of jewellery or furniture.

These are not usually left to charities.

• Reversionary legacy A gift which is only paid after the death of someone else.

You may wish to leave everything to your spouse/ partner, but you can specify that after their death, part of the remainder is paid to Livability.

How to remember Livability in your Will 1. Work out how much your estate is worth, including investments, property and any debts.

(We have a checklist on page 12 that may help you.)

2. Choose your beneficiaries – the family, friends or charities you wish to benefit from your Will. Many people choose to provide for their loved ones first, then leave a percentage or proportion of their estate to Livability.

3. Name your executors – the people identified in your Will to make sure your instructions are carried out correctly.

4. Visit a solicitor to have your Will drawn up (see p. 9 and 11 for more useful tips). You will need to have two adult independent witnesses who will not benefit in your Will.

5. Store your Will in a safe place, perhaps with your solicitor, and keep a copy yourself. You may want to review your Will every year for peace of mind.

6. Tell a relative or close friend where the original copy of your Will is stored.

If you wish to add Livability to your existing Will Please ask your solicitor to help you with your current Will. Do not attempt to amend your Will yourself, as this may invalidate it.

Making your own cup of tea: all part of living life to the full. Your support can help people with physical and learning disabilities to acquire skills to enable them to live independently.

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When to make or review your Will • If you buy or sell a house • If you marry, divorce or separate. (A change in your marital status can invalidate your Will.)

• On the birth of a child or grandchild • When someone in the family dies • When someone to whom you have left a gift dies • If you come into an inheritance • If your Will was not drawn up professionally in the first instance • If you decide that you wish to leave money to charity (Please note that this list is not exhaustive.)

Rehabilitation after a stroke or brain injury helps people return to work and regain life skills.

Did you know?

If you die without a valid Will, your estate will not pass automatically to your loved ones – it could go to the Crown instead.

Remember Call the gifts in Wills team

020 7452 2118 8

Making or changing your Will does not have to be complicated. But do seek the professional advice of a solicitor to ensure your Will is legally binding.

Dealing with solicitors Working with a solicitor to write your Will may seem daunting, but it needn’t be.

Finding a solicitor We are not permitted to make recommendations, but if you would like the names of Law Society registered solicitors in your area, please call our gifts in Wills team on 020 7452 2118 or email info@livability.org.uk Preparing to meet your solicitor • Take with you a list of everything valuable you own (bank accounts, investments etc) and any loans • See checklists on page 11 and 12 • Note down all questions you want to ask • Decide if you would like to take someone with you for moral support Meeting your solicitor • Make sure you cover all the points important to you • Check you understand everything; don’t be afraid to ask your solicitor to explain • Ask your solicitor to send you a letter summarising the advice you’ve been given Understanding how much it will cost • It is a solicitor’s responsibility to keep you informed of costs and to give you a clear bill which shows the work done and the amount charged • At your first meeting, solicitors should tell you how they calculate their charges. If possible they should give you an estimate of the total

Livability’s Community Mission Team works with churches to transform communities, combating poverty, isolation and despair

Beware false economies.

The cost to your family of sorting out a Will that has been poorly drafted to ‘save’ money could be far greater than the cost of drafting it well now.

Please Note The above guidance notes are based on information from the Law Society.

They are summaries only – for full details please contact: The Law Society of England and Wales 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL Tel: 020 7242 1222 Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk 9

Inheritance tax explained Inheritance tax at 40 per cent will be applied to your Will if the total value of your estate is higher than £325,000*. This sum is known as the nil rate band and is currently set until 2015. In the case of married couples or civil partners, the survivor may now take advantage of their spouse or civil partner’s unused inheritance tax nil rate band allowance. This could potentially double the survivor’s nil rate band (from £325,000 to £650,000).

Livability Enterprise works with disabled and disadvantaged people to develop the entrepreneurs of tomorrow

Please refer to HM Revenue and Customs Inheritance Tax and Probate helpline 0845 302 0900 (9am to 5pm except weekends and Bank Holidays).

Call the gifts in Wills team

020 7452 2118 10

Gifts made to registered charities, such as Livability, are exempt from inheritance tax. For deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2012 a new rate of tax of 36% will apply in cases where 10% or more of the deceased’s net estate is left to charity.

This information is given for guidance only: we recommend that you seek independent professional advice on how inheritance tax might apply to your estate. Your advisor can help you look for ways to ensure that your beneficiaries receive as much as possible of the money you leave for them, by drafting your Will in a tax-efficient way. *Correct as of February 2011

Life is precious. Pass it on Useful Information List You may find it helpful to complete this list before you see your solicitor Your full name Address Town/county/postcode Telephone numbers Marital status Spouse/partner’s name Next of kin (relationship) Name Address Telephone Other relation (1) Address/telephone Other relation (2) Address/telephone Your chosen executor (1) Address/telephone Occupation Your chosen executor (2) Address/telephone Occupation Names of beneficiaries

Please turn over

What you would like to leave them

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Estate Value Check List Run through the check list below, and total up your assets. Don’t worry about absolute accuracy, as this will only be used to help your solicitor assess the general value of your estate, to see if your current Will still reflects your situation and expresses your wishes. Your solicitor can then advise you if you need to make changes to your Will, or you need to make a new Will.

Assets (everything I own):

Value ÂŁ approx

House (present market value - ie, not just equity) Land or other property Car Jewellery Bank account(s) current Building society account(s) total Post office account(s) balances National Savings certificates and Premium Bonds Stocks, shares, bonds and unit and investment trusts Other savings and cash Money owed to me Life assurance policies (including mortgage protection) Death benefits Pension death benefits Anything else of value Total Assets Liabilities (everything I owe): Mortgage (current outstanding balance) Bank Loan Hire Purchase agreements Credit card debts Other debts Tax due Any other liabilities Total Liabilities Total Assets minus Total Liabilities = Total value of my Estate

Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society

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50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ T: 020 7452 2000 F: 020 7452 2001 Email: info@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1116530 Registered in England No: 5967087

Life is precious. Pass it on Response form It would be a huge help if you could let us know your intentions – whatever they may be. Please tell us by filling out this form and returning it, postage free, in the envelope enclosed. Or send to the gifts in Wills team, FREEPOST KE3232, 50 Scrutton Street, London EC2B 2HL. Mr

Mrs

Ms

Miss

Other

(please tick a box)

First name Surname Address Postcode Email* Mobile tel.* Daytime tel.* *This tells us you are happy to be contacted in this way.

My intentions I have already included Livability in my Will I intend to include Livability in my Will My gift is a fixed sum of ÂŁ

)

is a proportion of what remains You may wish to give further details of your gift, or request more information, overleaf.

I need more information Please turn over

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If you need any information on making a Will or amending your current one to include Livability, please call the gifts in wills team, on 020 7452 2118 or email info@livability.org.uk If you would like to tell us why you chose to include Livability in your Will, or why you began supporting us to begin with, please use the space below to do so. We would love to find out a little more about someone who is supporting our work so generously.

Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society

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50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ T: 020 7452 2000 F: 020 7452 2001 Email: info@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1116530 Registered in England No: 5967087

Questions and answers I know I should make a Will, but circumstances keep changing and I never get round to it.

It’s better to make a Will – and change it later if you have to – rather than not make one at all. You are free to change your Will as often as you like, and the new Will revokes any previous one.

Doesn’t everything just go to my family if I don’t write a Will?

Not necessarily. If you die without leaving a Will (“Intestate”), this can lead to a long and costly process.

The government may effectively write your Will for you.

Although writing your Will may seem daunting, people generally feel a great sense of satisfaction once they have put their affairs in order.

I’m not wealthy – is it worthwhile leaving you a gift in my Will?

We are immensely grateful for any amount you can leave us, after taking care of your loved ones. Many people leave us only small amounts, but these all add up. Altogether, legacies form around a third of our donated income and are crucial for the future of Livability. They give us the financial security to commit long term to both new and existing projects.

How does the John Grooms and Shaftesbury Society merger affect my Will?

Any existing gift in your Will to John Grooms, the Shaftesbury Society or Grooms-Shaftesbury will still be valid. But any new Wills should nominate “Livability, Charity No. 1116530 of 50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ”.

Great memories: every year we provide around 3000 holidays

If you are disabled, or the parent or carer of a disabled person, there are Trusts and Powers of Attorney that can be set up to make special provisions. Please ask for a separate leaflet.

Please Note. These answers are guidelines, not advice. We recommend that you seek professional legal advice from a qualified practitioner.

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‘ Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’

Thank you for considering leaving a gift to Livability in your Will. We’re here to help. If you have any questions, please call the gifts in wills team on 020 7452 2118 or email info@livability.org.uk.

50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ T: 020 7452 2000 F: 020 7452 2001 Email: info@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society

Registered Charity Number 1116530 Registered in England No: 5967087