Battle a taboo by sharing a brew – and leave a loving legacy

Sunday 05 November 2017

Charities are urging families and friends to put the kettle on, make a brew, and chat about leaving a legacy to good causes, as part of Jersey Legacy Week launched by the Association of Jersey Charities (AJC).

The AJC and Hawksford have produced 30,000 special tea bags which will be shared with AJC clients, members and supporters as well as with other charities.

The AJC launched Jersey Legacy Week, 6 to 12 November, which is being supported by corporate, private client and funds business Hawksford, to encourage people to challenge the taboo of talking about death. Research by Remember A Charity in the UK suggests only 7% of people include a charity in their will even though 40% are open to the idea. It is hoped the informal and friendly tradition of sharing a cuppa will make people feel comfortable talking about life after their death, and how they might continue to help others in years to come.

40 local charities have partnered to encourage more people to talk about legacies with their families and highlight the good done by legacies in the Island. The charities will be distributing free ‘Legacy Tea bags’ with campaign messages and links to independent information, promoting the importance of legacies to all kinds of philanthropic work in Jersey.

Ivo Le Maistre Smith, campaign coordinator for the AJC, said: "Talking about preparing a will can seem like a daunting conversation to have, but it is also such an important one. Thinking about your own legacy, and the benefits that will live on into the future, can also be a tremendous source of comfort. This innovative campaign will encourage islanders to come together with their relatives and friends to talk about the lasting benefits of giving in a friendly, relaxed environment over a comforting cuppa.

"We hope Jersey Legacy Week will encourage more islanders to consider leaving a legacy to a local charity after they have made financial plans for their loved ones."

The campaign will benefit charities of all sizes and areas of work, and legacies of all sizes can facilitate a tremendous amount of work. Previous local bequests have helped fund the restoration of the Georgian house on New Street, helped Eyecan create a sensory garden for people with visual impairments and turn woodland at Jersey Zoo into a home for tamarins which mimicks their natural habitat.

As part of Legacy Week, Hawksford is offering £199 for a simple will if an enquiry is made during Wills Week. They are also offering a limited number of free half hour consultations with a member of the Wills, Probate and Executor team if booked during Legacy Week.

Charlotte Elliott, Wills and Probate lawyer, Hawksford, (pictured) said: "We were keen to get involved with Legacy Week because we support many individuals and families in putting together their Wills, both UK and Jersey Wills. Many of our clients want to leave charity legacies in their wills but acknowledge that it can be a hard thing to chat to their family members about. We are very happy to support any action that gets people talking about this taboo subject."