Make a lasting impact: support the Patients Association through Free Wills Month

Written by Tom O'Connor, Head of Income Generation & Project Management.

March marks Free Wills Month, an important opportunity for individuals or couples aged 55 or over to create or update their wills at no cost. Having a will is essential for peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are cared for. For patients, especially those managing long-term conditions or navigating complex healthcare journeys, having a clear and legally recognised will can provide security, reduce stress, and help protect their interests.

It’s also a chance for supporters of the Patients Association to make a lasting difference by leaving a gift in their will. As a small independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients across the UK, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help fund our essential work. 

What is Free Wills Month?

Free Wills Month is a month-long campaign that takes place twice a year, in March and October, that allows individuals aged 55 and over to create or update a basic will for free with participating solicitors. 

Visit the Free Wills Month website and enter your name, postcode and email to be sent a list of participating solicitors in your area. Contact one of them to arrange an appointment and mention 'Free Wills Month' to ensure you are booked under the campaign.  

While the campaign is supported by several major UK charities, there is no obligation to donate to any specific organisation. However, we hope that as you reflect on what matters to you, you might consider leaving a gift to the Patients Association. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us continue advocating for patients, providing invaluable services, and improving healthcare across the UK. 

Your gift can make a difference to the Patients Association 

As a charity, we depend on donations from individuals and supporters to fund our vital work. Without this support, we would not be able to deliver our freephone helpline or maintain our online information resources, such as patient guides, animations, and webinars. These resources are a lifeline for patients and their families, providing the information they need to navigate the healthcare system. 

More importantly, your gift enables us to be the voice of patients in critical decision-making processes. By talking directly to patients, we gather their experiences and insights, which we relay to key stakeholders at the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, independent providers, and other organisations. Your support helps ensure that patients’ voices are heard, and their needs are prioritised in the policies and decisions that shape our health system. 

Last year we received two legacy donations that have had a significant impact on our work. These gifts have enabled us to expand our resources and continue advocating for patients, particularly during these challenging times for the NHS and healthcare services. 

We are proud to be a member of the Remember a Charity campaign, which encourages people to think about leaving a gift to charity in their will. This campaign helps raise awareness of how legacies can support causes close to your heart, ensuring that your values live on for generations to come. 

Get Involved 

If you’d like to learn more about Free Wills Month, head over to the Free Wills Month website. While you’re under no obligation to leave a donation, we’d be incredibly grateful if you did consider supporting the Patients Association.  

By leaving a gift to the Patients Association in your will, you would be helping to create a lasting legacy of support for patients across the UK.