Battle a taboo by sharing a brew – and leave a loving legacy.
Charities are urging families and friends to put the kettle on, make a brew, and chat about leaving a legacy to good causes.
The Association of Jersey Charities is launching Jersey Legacy Week, which is being supported by corporate, private client and funds business Hawksford, to encourage people to challenge the taboo of talking about death.
Research by Remember A Charity in the UK suggests only 7% of people include a charity in their Will even though 40% are open to the idea.
Now the Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) and Hawksford are producing 30,000 special tea bags to share with AJC clients, members and supporters. It is hoped the informal and friendly tradition of sharing a cuppa will make people feel comfortable talking about life after their death, and how they might continue to help others in the years to come.
People will be encouraged to sit down with their loved ones and companions to discuss their plans during Jersey Legacy Week from November 6.
A consortium of island charities will distribute the free teabags, to be branded with campaign messages and links to independent information, promoting the importance of legacies to all kinds of philanthropic work in Jersey.
To raise awareness of Jersey Legacy Week, the AJC invites islanders to attend their Facebook event to join in the conversation to talk about legacies with their loved ones.
Ivo Le Maistre Smith, campaign coordinator for the AJC, said: ‘Talking about preparing a Will can seem like a daunting conversation to have, but it is also such an important one. Thinking about your own legacy, and the benefits that will live on into the future, can also be a tremendous source of comfort.
‘This innovative campaign will encourage islanders to come together with their relatives and friends to talk about the lasting benefits of giving in a friendly, relaxed environment over a comforting cuppa.
‘We hope Jersey Legacy Week will encourage more islanders to consider leaving a legacy to a local charity after they have made financial plans for their loved ones.’
The campaign will benefit charities of all sizes and areas of work, and legacies of all sizes can facilitate a tremendous amount of good work.
As part of Legacy Week, Hawksford is offering £199 for a simple Will if an enquiry is made during Wills week. They are also offering a limited number of free half an hour consultations with a member of the Wills, Probate and Executor team if booked during Legacy week.
‘We were keen to get involved with Legacy Week because we support many individuals and families in putting together their Wills, both UK and Jersey Wills. Many of our clients want to leave charity legacies in their Wills but acknowledge that it can be a hard thing to chat to their family members about. We are very happy to support any action that gets people talking about this taboo subject,’ said Charlotte Elliott, Wills and Probate lawyer, Hawksford.
Any charities wishing to take part can register their interest with the AJC by visiting www.jerseycharities.org/jersey-legacy-week or by contacting the campaign coordinator, Ivo Le Maistre Smith on ivo@jerseycharities.org. This page also has updates about all the activities taking place during the week. Any individuals looking to find out more can also contact Ivo as above.
Meet the team

Charlotte Elliott
Associate Director, Wills & Probate
Charlotte adds significant value to Hawksford's Wills & Probate team with her vast experience especially with contentious Wills and estate matters.
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Michael Powell
Director, Private Client Services
A qualified trust practitioner and lawyer, Michael has over 30 years’ experience establishing, administering and advising clients on a wide range of specialist structures.
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Jeremy Johnson
Consultant
Jeremy has now completed 38 years as an English Solicitor, specialising in the areas of Trust wills and probate.
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