Hospice at Home West Cumbria

Hospice at Home West Cumbria was created in 1987.  The founders' inspirational vision was to provide all the facilities of an inpatient hospice but to base those services in the patient's own home rather than in a separate building - an original and pioneering idea.

Since then, thanks to the generous support of local people, we have grown and developed into an organisation that West Cumbria can be proud of.  Home nursing remains at the heart of our work, providing skilled nursing care on a one-to-one basis to people in their own home.  Over the years we have gone on to build up a range of theraputic and supportive services aimed at improving the care we are able to offer.

Our objective has always been to give the best possible palliative and end of life care, and to offer help and support to carers and to bereaved people.

Income from gifts in people's Wills has been vital for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.  In the past we have received some very generous legacies that have enabled us to continue providing our services through difficult times and to develop the new services required to meet the changing needs of West Cumbrian people.

Looking back on how much we've achieved since we started in 1987, it's hard to imagine how far our services will grow in the next 21 years.  One thing we do know is that, with an ever-aging population the need for our services is going to grow.

Leaving us a gift in your Will is one of the most important things you can do for your community and one of the most effective gifts you can make.  It will help guarantee that we are able to continue providing our service into the future - and what an amazing way to be remembered!

Linda Hewitt
Clinical Services Manager

All money left to charities in Wills is tax free, and does not form part of an individual’s Inheritance Tax Allowance.  So you can leave a legacy to a charity and still pass on the maximum allowed by the government tax free to your loved ones.

Writing a Will involves making important decisions, and it is a very personal and private thing.  In any dealings we have with you about your Will, Hospice at Home West Cumbria will always:

• respect your privacy.  We recognise that your Will is completely private and we will never do anything that will breach this confidentiality
• recognise that you will probably want to make proper provision for your family and loved ones in your Will, and that this will be your first priority
• spend any money that you leave us carefully and effectively. 78% of our expenditure goes on our charitable activities, and only 22% is spent on administration and fundraising
• do our very best to spend your legacy in accordance with your wishes.  If we think that we will have difficulty meeting your requirements (for example because circumstances have changed) then we will discuss this with the executor of your Will, or with anybody else that you choose to nominate.
• spend your money on services for the benefit of people living in West Cumbria.  Most of our money is spent employing local people, which brings direct benefits to the West Cumbrian economy.
• respect your right to change your mind about leaving us a gift in your Will.  We understand that personal circumstances can change and that you may need to change your Will in the future. 

We also pledge that we will NOT:

• ask you if you have decided to leave us a give in your Will
• contact you again if you don't wish us to.  However, if you do want to be kept up to date with the work of Hospice at Home West Cumbria we will be glad to put you on our mailing list.

Why Make A Will?

If you want to be sure that after your death, your Estate goes exactly where you want, then you should make a Will. In the absence of a Will the law decides how your Estate is distributed and it takes no account of your family circumstances or any special wishes you may have. Once you have made provision for your family and friends, you may wish to benefit your favourite charities. No Inheritance Tax is payable on bequests to charities.

How Do I Make A Will?

Home drawn Wills often give rise to problems and it is advisable to seek professional advice from a solicitor. The cost will vary depending on how complicated it is but ask for a quotation. Straightforward wills can be relatively cheap. The solicitor will help you to express all your wishes clearly and advise you on the appointment of executors and other formalities.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria runs a Make a Will Fortnight every year in the autumn.  During this period local solicitors will offer to write wills for a special price, and have agreed to donate 10% of the money they take to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.  The fortnight is promoted in the local press each year.

I Already Have A Will - Should I Update It?

People’s circumstances are always changing - you may have re-married, had grandchildren or your estate may have increased greatly in value. It is always wise to keep your Will regularly updated.

How do I leave a legacy to Hospice at Home West Cumbria? 

You can either leave Hospice at Home West  Cumbria a specific sum of money (a Pecuniary Legacy) or all or part of what is left of your Estate after all other bequests, debts, taxes and expenses have been paid (a Residuary Legacy).  A residuary legacy has the advantage that you can be sure that your family is properly cared for first.

You may wish to use the following wording:

Pecuniary Legacy
‘I give to Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Workington Community Hospital, Park Lane, Workington, Cumbria  CA14 2RW (Charity No: 1086837) the sum of £..... (amount in words) for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Finance Manager or other duly authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.’

Residuary Legacy
‘I leave to Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Workington Community Hospital, Park Lane, Workington, Cumbria  CA14 2RW (Charity No: 1086837) [proportion of residue] for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Finance Manager or other duly authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.’