Lancashire-based law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors is offering free Will-writing services for two weeks in aid of local people living with dementia and their carers.
People without a Will, or who need to change their current one, can have the legal work done free of charge and help Hyndburn Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) by booking an appointment at WHN’s Accrington office from October 15 to 26.
In return, WHN Solicitors is suggesting people make a donation matching the cost of preparing a standard Will, which is £175 for individuals or £300 (£150 each) for couples.
All money raised will be donated to Hyndburn DAA, which helps improve the lives of people who have dementia, as well as supporting their carers and families.
Patrick Swanney, a solicitor in WHN’s private client department, said: “The DAA runs hub events every month in Hyndburn, and the funds we raise through our Will-writing initiative will go towards the running costs.”
The DAA is made up of organisations across Hyndburn that provide free advice and support to people living with dementia and their families. At the hub events, all these organisations come together under one roof to provide a central point of contact.
Patrick continued: “Dementia Hub Hyndburn events are of immense benefit to people living with dementia, their carers and families. Whatever your issue, problem or question, you can get assistance or advice at the hub meetings.”
As a member of the DAA, Patrick is also a Dementia Friends Champion, a voluntary role that involves encouraging members of the local community to make a positive difference to people living with dementia.
Patrick said: “We do this by giving out information about the personal impact of dementia, and what local people can do to help create a dementia friendly community.”
Patrick is also a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society and a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), which enables him to give expert advice to older clients on issues such as long-term care funding.
He added: “Elderly people account for an increasing proportion of the population, so dementia-related issues will become more and more important. At WHN we recognise that it is essential for local organisations to help tackle issues around age-related illnesses such as dementia.”
