Gifts in Wills

Leaving a gift in your Will

Help us create a future where fewer people face isolation and loneliness. When you leave a gift in your Will to Omega, you’re helping to create a future of hope, connection, and freedom from loneliness and isolation. Your gift could help us be here for generations to come. In every phone call, in every letter, your kindness could live on. Below you will find the following information:

Why leave a gift in your Will:

A gift in your Will creates a future where your generosity supports Omega’s mission to provide moments of connection that make people feel less alone.

Benefits of leaving a gift in your Will
Your Will is a reflection of what matters to you. You can help Omega with our big mission – connecting and supporting those who feel alone – while still leaving gifts to those close to you.

Inheritance Tax and charitable gifts
Gifts in Wills to charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. If more than 10% of a taxable estate is donated to charity, this can reduce the Inheritance Tax rate on the overall estate. We recommend you consult with your solicitor for all tax advice.

How to leave a gift in your will

A solicitor will make sure that your wishes will be carried out as you intend.

You don’t have to be wealthy in order to leave a gift in your Will to charity. Whatever the size of your gift – large or small – you can be sure we will use it to help continue our mission to end loneliness. A gift in your Will does not cost anything during your lifetime. It only takes effect after you die, and only after any loved ones and other wishes have been provided for.

Your estate is calculated based on whatever is left after you die. And if you arrange your gift to Omega as a residuary gift, it will only be paid out after any of the other gifts you leave to your family or friends have been made.

Types of gifts
  • A percentage share
    A share of the value of your assets, such as property and savings. This is the most helpful way to leave a gift to Omega as it won’t lose value over time. This is also known as a residuary gift.
  • A fixed amount
    A specific amount of money which can be any amount you choose. This is also known as a pecuniary gift.
  • Specific gifts
    Some supporters choose to leave a specific item or collection, such as jewellery, artwork, stamps, medals or other valuable possessions, which can be sold to support Omega’s work.

To leave a gift to Omega, you’ll need to include our charity details:

Omega – Ending Isolation, Ending Loneliness, London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX (Registered Charity No.1120322)

Examples of wording you could use:
(Please note that this should be discussed with a solicitor)

  • I leave £X of my estate to Omega – Ending Isolation, Ending Loneliness, London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX (Registered Charity No.1120322) for its general charitable purposes.
  • I leave a X% share of my residuary estate to Omega – Ending Isolation, Ending Loneliness, London House, Town Walls, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TX (Registered Charity No.1120322) for its general charitable purposes.

The Executor will be responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will. This can be a friend, relative, or your solicitor.

You don’t have to tell us if you’ve included Omega in your Will, but if you choose to, we’d love the opportunity to thank you and keep you updated on the difference your future gift could make.

Have a question about leaving a gift in your Will? Speak to someone in our team and we’ll be happy to help.

Get the Gifts in Wills guide

Click the link below to download our Gifts in Wills guide in PDF format, or get in touch to request a paper copy. The guide contains:

  • Details on how gifts in Wills help Omega continue our work supporting people who experience loneliness and isolation. Your generosity will help create a future where fewer people face loneliness alone.
  • Guidance on how to write or update your Will.
  • The wording needed to add a gift in your Will to Omega.

Information for Executors

As an executor, you are responsible for gathering information about the estate, applying for probate, paying any debts or tax, and distributing gifts according to the Will.

What to expect when dealing with a charity
Charities must follow Charity Commission rules. This means we need certain documents and information before we can receive a gift. We’ll always explain why we’re asking for something and keep our requests as straightforward as possible.

What we need when you get in touch
To help us update our records and begin the process, please share:

  • Full name of the person who has died.
  • Their last known address (and any recent previous addresses).
  • The date they died.
  • A copy of the Will.

If Omega has been left a share of the estate
If the gift is a share of the estate (a residuary gift), we also need a list of assets and liabilities at the date of death or a copy of the Probate Application. This helps us understand any tax considerations and ensures the estate is administered correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for the future can feel daunting, but making or updating your Will is one of the most important ways to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you get started.

Many people assume that their estate will automatically pass to their spouse or partner when they die, but this is not always the case. Having an up-to-date Will gives you peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be carried out and that the people you care about will be provided for. Making a Will is also an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the causes that have been meaningful to you throughout your life.

It is important to review your Will regularly, particularly when significant life changes occur, such as getting married, entering a civil partnership, having children, or experiencing changes to your financial circumstances. Before updating your Will, consider:

  • The assets you own, such as property, savings, investments, life insurance policies, or other valuable possessions, and their approximate value.
  • Who you would like to benefit from your estate. After making provision for the people closest to you, you may also wish to consider leaving a gift to a cause that you care about, such as Omega.
  • Who you would like to appoint as your executor(s) to carry out your wishes.
  • The types of gifts you wish to leave, whether specific items such as property, jewellery, or treasured possessions, or financial gifts, including fixed sums or a share of your remaining estate.
  • How you would like your Will to be written. You may already have a family solicitor, or you could ask friends or relatives for a recommendation.

While it is possible to write your own Will, using a qualified solicitor can help ensure that your wishes are clearly recorded and legally valid. Professional advice can also help avoid complications and unnecessary costs for your loved ones in the future. You may already have a family solicitor you trust. If not, consider asking friends or relatives for recommendations.

When you choose to leave a gift to Omega in your Will, you help us continue our work supporting people who experience loneliness and isolation. Your generosity will help create a future where fewer people face loneliness alone.

Our Promise to You

If you choose to leave a gift to Omega, we promise that:

  • We will respect your privacy
    You are under no obligation to tell us about your decision. However, if you do choose to let us know, we would be delighted to thank you and share how your gift could make a difference.
  • Family and loved ones come first
    We understand that ensuring any family and friends are cared for is your priority. Even a small gift from your estate can help us continue supporting those who need us most.
  • You can change your mind at any time
    Your Will is your decision. We will always respect your right to amend or remove a gift to Omega, and you do not need to inform us of any changes.
  • We will never pressure you
    We are happy to answer any questions you may have, but we will never pressure you into making a decision.
  • We will always be open and honest
    We are committed to answering your questions clearly, honestly, and transparently.

If you would like to make changes to an existing Will, we recommend speaking to a solicitor. Making amendments properly is important to ensure that your Will remains valid and that any changes do not unintentionally affect other parts of your estate plans.