Make a Will. Make a Difference
Most UK adults do not have a valid will and there are lots of reasons why many of us let this job linger on our to do list. Yet leaving a legally endorsed will that provides for those that you care for and sets out your wishes after death is an act of kindness for grieving family and friends.
A will written by a solicitor can cost hundreds of pounds, but the Crawley Open House Free Will-writing Scheme in partnership with local frim, stevensdrake solicitors, offers a cost-effective way to write your will and help Crawley Open House, should you wish to do so.
stevensdrake solicitors, a Crawley-based established firm of solicitors whose history dates back more than 200 years, is providing 10 straightforward wills at no legal cost as part of the campaign.
If you secure a place, a member of the stevensdrake solicitors team will contact you to arrange your appointment. Once your appointment has been confirmed, we will also invite you to consider making a voluntary donation to Crawley Open House. Our suggested donation is £100 per will, but how much you choose to give is entirely up to you. You can give more, less, or choose not to make a donation at all.
If you do donate you will be making a concrete difference to people locally who are experiencing homelessness and severe disadvantage.
Crawley Open House is ‘home’ to 60 men and women every night in our high-support hostel or one of our move-on houses and of the thousands of people that we help every year 68% are resettled to more permanent accommodation.
Our Resource Centre opens every weekday and it can be a lifesaver to those in need. Open to all, it offers food and a hot drink, help from advice or health workers, the opportunity for people to have a shower or wash their clothes and the chance to take education and training courses to get back on the path to independence. Although we receive some statutory funding we have to find roughly half of our income ourselves – that’s why campaigns such as the Free Will-writing Scheme are so important to us and the people we care for.
How the Free Will-writing Scheme works
1. Register your interest
Complete the short registration form hereduring November. There are 10 will places available and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the 10 places are filled, the scheme will close.
2. stevensdrake solicitors will contact you
If you are allocated a place, Crawley Open House will pass your contact details to stevensdrake solicitors and a member of their team will contact you to arrange your appointment.
3. Attend your appointment
Your appointment can take place during November, December or January, but must be completed by 31 January 2027.
4. Support Crawley Open House
Once your appointment has been confirmed, we will email you a link inviting you to make a voluntary donation. Our suggested donation is £100 per will.
There is no requirement to donate to receive the free will.
5. Do I have to leave Crawley Open House a gift in my will?
No. There is no obligation to include Crawley Open House in your will.
If you would like to remember Crawley Open House in your will, you are welcome to do so, but this is entirely your decision. stevensdrake solicitors acts independently and solely in your interests when advising you and preparing your will.
About the Free Will-writing Scheme
This free will-writing scheme is being provided by stevensdrake solicitors in support of Crawley Open House. This free legal service is only available through stevensdrake and is subject to the scheme’s terms and availability.
You are free to choose another solicitor or will-writing provider if you prefer, but other providers are not part of this scheme and their usual fees may apply.
Your decision about whether or how much to donate will not affect the free will-writing service you receive.