Making a simple will is usually a quick and easy process. Including a gift to a charity such as the Orpheus Centre is also straight forward. If you wish to change a will you have already made you can do this too – there is no need to make a brand new will. All you will need to do is create an document called a codicil which acts as an amendment to your existing will.
There are three main ways of leaving a gift.
A share of your estate
Whether it’s 1% or 100% a share of your estate is a good way to leave a gift. It means that once any cash or specific gifts have been paid, the charity would receive a percentage of your remaining estate.
An amount of money
A fixed amount of money of your choosing. Any amount big or small would make such a difference, there is no minimum or maximum amount, it really is up to you.
An item of value
You could choose to leave a specific item to Orpheus such as jewellery, a painting or musical instrument. We would then arrange for the item to either be used or valued and then sold to raise funds.
By including our charity name and number, you are ensuring that your gift will find its way to us in the way you intend.
I give a…..percent share of the residue of my estate to the Orpheus Centre (Registered Charity number 1105213), North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8ND.
I give to the Orpheus Centre (Registered Charity number 1105213), North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8ND the sum of [amount in figures and words].
A correctly written will is important and will give you peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are known and correctly recorded. You can find details of solicitors local to you by contacting the Law Society.
Alternatively, we also offer a free will writing service in partnership with Farewill. (See further down this page)
You may find it helpful to refer to our FAQ’s, at the bottom of this page. to help you when planning your will.
Every gift, in every will, makes a difference to the vital work of Orpheus. So when the time is right for you to make your will, please remember Orpheus.
Remember, there can be more than one family in your Will; future families needing the support of the Orpheus Centre.
It’s only through the generosity of our supporters that we are able to give Orpheus students the skills to live confident, independent lives. One of the ways you can help us to be there for future young people with a disability, is by leaving a gift to Orpheus in your will. Every gift, in every will, makes a difference to the vital work of Orpheus. You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a gift in your will and it is often a simple process.
The opportunities for students at Orpheus are simply life changing. Be a part of our legacy by leaving a gift in your will.
To hear more about how a gift in your will can make a difference, watch our film above.
We understand that your loved ones are likely to come first and we would encourage you to discuss your will with those close to you. But once they’ve been provided for, just a small gift to the Orpheus Centre could go a long way to help future students gain a life of independence through music and the performing arts.
If you choose to leave a gift to Orpheus in your will then you can be sure that your generous gift will be in safe hands.
You may also wish to read our FAQ’s, at the bottom of this page to learn more about making a will and leaving a gift to charity.
Peace of mind, free of charge
Conversations about what happens after we pass away can be difficult but they are really important. Having the right arrangements in place allows you to distribute what you own for the benefit of friends or family.
The Orpheus Centre has partnered with Farewill so you can write your will for free. Just click on this link, follow the steps and use the code “independence” to claim your simple will. Should you have any issues, please contact: stuartmcnaughton@orpheus.org.uk.
From time to time we may have the ability to offer our supporters a free or reduced rate will. If you are interested in this, please contact us to find out more. Stuart McNaughton, Legacy and Individual Giving Officer stuartmcnaughton@orpheus.org.uk
Sometimes a simple will isn’t enough to meet the complex needs of your family. Writing a complex will can be very expensive but through Farewill you can upgrade to a complex will for £200.
What is the difference between a simple will and a complex will?
Simple wills are useful when you leave everything to your spouse/partner, followed by your children. A complex will could allow you to be more specific about how you want your money to be distributed. One advantage of this is that you could arrange for your money to be managed by your choice of individual/s on behalf of those you wish to benefit. This is called a Discretionary Trust. See further information below:
“Writing my will helped me to think about the things in my life that are really important to me, like music. It helped me think about
gifts to my family, but also continuing support for my favourite charity. It makes me happy to think about the lives it will change for
the better” – Moira
A discretionary trust is a legal arrangement which allows you to distribute what you own for the benefit of friends or family. When set up as part of a will, it can be a useful way to pass on money and property, especially if you have family members with additional needs. It can also provide peace of mind knowing that loved ones will be looked after once you have gone.
In short it is a way of giving money to someone, while still maintaining some control over that money, so ensuring it is used sensibly in a way that will provide ongoing financial benefit.
If you are caring for someone with a disability or impairment, who may not be able to take care of themselves or fully understand the value of any money they have been left, you may be concerned about how they will be cared for in the event of your death.
A discretionary trust when included as part of a will, is a way of providing for that person after your death, as the control of the funds is looked after by trustees appointed by you.
Read below or contact Stuart McNaughton, Legacy and Individual Giving Officer for more information:
Phone us on 01883 744664 and leave a message for Stuart or email us at:
“If there is something you treasure which you want to pass on to someone special, the best way of ensuring this happens is by including your wishes in your will.”
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a tax payable on the value of any assets or property that you leave. There are many rules surrounding IHT and in what circumstances it should be paid. We would advise you to talk to a solicitor about the possible implications of IHT on your estate.
You may be interested to know that gifts to charities are exempt from IHT and can in some cases even lower the rate of IHT on your estate. For example, due to government law changes in 2012, people who leaves at least 10% of their wealth to charity will have any inheritance tax bill reduced from 40% to 36%.
To leave a gift to Orpheus in your will you will need to include our full name and charity number, this way you can be sure that your gift will reach us correctly.
Registered Charity number 1105213
North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8ND
Please see How to leave a gift in my will for more information and for suggested wording.
An executor is the person you appoint to carry out the terms of your will. It is advisable to appoint more than one person as your executor; they could be people you know or you could appoint a solicitor if you prefer.
We would strongly recommend using a solicitor to draw up your will. A correctly written will is important and will give you peace of mind, knowing that your wishes are known and correctly recorded. You can find details of solicitors local to you by contacting the Law Society
Although you can also write a will using an online will company. Just be sure to check the credibility of the site you are using and be sure that an online will is right for you.
When making your will, you may come across some of the following words. Here is what they all mean.
Visit Citizens Advice for advice on creating a will and why it’s important.
The Orpheus Centre. North Park Lane, Godstone. Surrey. RH9 8ND
