Gifts in Wills make life happier for people with a learning disability

Around half of everything we raise through fundraising comes from the generous gifts we receive in people’s Wills.

The impact of these gifts is incredible. 

 

How gifts in Wills make life happier for people with a learning disability

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Help people with a learning disability with a gift in your Will

Download our guide

Cynthia's story

“I chose to leave a gift in my Will to Mencap in memory of my sister, June, who had Down’s syndrome. June was an amazing person. I’m lucky that she was my sister. 

There’s one thing that I think should apply to every person, and certainly to everyone with a learning disability – and that is to be treated with dignity. So I hope that my gift means others get the support and understanding they need.”  

Cynthia, Mencap supporter 

Cynthia's sister June

"Mencap was brilliant. They made me stronger and helped me fight. That was massive." - Reece’s mum, Susie

Reece has a learning disability and is autistic. For years he lived happily at home with his family.

Despite not having a mental health condition, Reece was moved into a mental health hospital away from his family. He was wrongly kept there for 2 years. 

Reece’s mum, Susie, reached out to Mencap for help. He now lives in a supported flat where he can be a part of his community .

We were able to reunite Susie with her son, and continue to change the lives of other families like theirs, because of your gifts in Wills.

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We're in a position to help

In this video Paul and Richard talk about why they chose to leave a gift in their Will to Mencap.

They came to us for advice and support for their loved ones with a learning disability, and left a gift to ensure we’re always here for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers who need us.

Frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in your Will

What information do I need to leave a gift in my Will?

To include a gift in your Will to Mencap, you will need the following details: 

Our registered charity name: Royal Mencap Society 

Our registered charity address: 6 Cyrus Way, Peterborough, PE7 8HP 

Our registered charity number: 222377 (England & Wales) SC041079 (Scotland) 

What sort of gifts can I leave in my will?

There are three main types of gifts you can choose: 

  1. A share of your estate. This can be a percentage of what is left over once loved ones are provided for, called a residuary gift, or it can be any percentage you like. As this gift is a proportion of your estate it keeps pace with inflation.  
  2. A fixed sum of money. This is a specific amount, also known as a pecuniary gift. You can choose any amount you like but it’s worth reviewing periodically as it may lose value over time due to inflation. 
  3. A specific item. You can also choose to leave a particular item, such as a piece of jewellery, an antique or even a property. A gift like this should be named in your Will. 

What free Will schemes does Mencap take part in?

In March and October we take part in Free Wills Month when solicitors in local areas take part in writing wills for free. To find out more, visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk  

We also take part in two scheme’s which run all year: 

1.   Farewill - an online or telephone scheme where you can:

  • make your Will for free in the comfort of your own home.
  • answer questions about your wishes, and wait for your answers to be checked by expert Will writers
  • print your Will out and sign it alongside two witnesses when ready.

     Click here to get stared. 

 

2.   National Free Wills Network

The Network will send you a pack in the post which contains details of solicitors in your local area who write wills for free.

If you’d like to use this service , please contact our Gifts in Wills Team on giftsinwills@mencap.org.uk  

I am a solicitor/executor administering a gift to Mencap, who do I contact?

Please contact our Legacy Administration Team who will be able to help with the next steps.

Please contact them on 020 7696 5513 or email legacy.admin@mencap.org.uk

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Contact us

To find out more about gifts in Wills to Mencap and our free Will services, please get in touch with our team.  

Email them today or call 020 7696 6917.  

Email the team