Leave a Gift
Leave a Gift in your Will to CHAT
A gift in your Will (a legacy) is more than a financial donation – it is a lasting act of kindness that will continue bringing hope to people long into the future. Your legacy could help someone find a safe home, put food on a family's table, or provide support at a time when it is needed most. Please take a moment to read more about how you can help us.
Your legacy can make a huge difference to our work
In Tiverton, an elderly man hadn't eaten a hot meal in weeks. In Crediton, a mum of two was days away from eviction. In Cullompton, a young person had nowhere safe to sleep.
CHAT was there for all of them.
For 30 years, CHAT has been the lifeline for people across Mid Devon facing homelessness, hunger and financial crisis. A gift in your will can help ensure we're still here for the next family who needs us.
Why leave a gift to CHAT?
Every week, people across Mid Devon knock on our door not knowing where else to turn. They're facing eviction. They can't afford to eat. They're terrified of what comes next.
Last year, with your support, CHAT:
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Provided 2,533 advice sessions to people in housing crisis.
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Helped 225 people stay in their homes who would otherwise have faced homelessness.
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Gave 2,462 people access to emergency food and essentials.
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Managed over £3.1 million of debt on behalf of struggling families.
Legacy gifts make this possible. They allow us to plan ahead, invest in our services, and promise the people of Mid Devon that help will always be here.
What could your gift do?
Even a small percentage of your estate could transform lives:
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£500 could fund a full advice session, helping someone keep their home.
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£1,000 could provide emergency food parcels for 50 families.
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£5,000 could train a new volunteer advisor, creating years of support.
Any amount helps us plan for the future and be ready when the next person in crisis reaches out.
Join CHAT's Legacy of Hope
Supporters who choose to leave a gift in their will become part of CHAT’s Legacy of Hope helping to ensure that vital support remains available for people across Mid Devon in the years to come.
Legacy gifts are a powerful way to make a lasting difference in the community. By remembering CHAT in your will, you can help ensure that future generations will always have somewhere to turn when they need help.
Your legacy says: "I was here. I cared. And because of me, help will always be available."
How to leave a gift in your Will
There are several ways to include CHAT in your will:
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A percentage of your estate (residuary gift) – this remains valuable regardless of inflation.
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A fixed sum (pecuniary gift) – a specific amount you choose.
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A specific item – property, shares or other assets.
Your solicitor can help you decide which option works best for your circumstances. If you already have a Will, a simple addition called a codicil can include a gift to CHAT without rewriting the whole document.
To find a solicitor that is expert in Wills, you can use the Law Society web site. Choose ‘Will, trusts and probate’ in the dropdown menu and then add your postcode. Click here.
For your solicitor…
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Charity name: Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT)
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Registered charity number: 1049478
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Address: Coggan's Well House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6LU
What can we do to help?
Wills are not an easy topic to discuss, for you or your family. But if you are thinking about leaving a gift to CHAT, we'd love to hear from you and support you in that decision.
There's no pressure and no obligation – just a chance to chat about how your legacy could help future generations in Mid Devon.
Please contact Holly Reid, Fundraising Manager
01884 255606
All conversations are completely confidential.
Thank you for considering a gift in your will to CHAT.
Your generosity today can bring hope to someone in Mid Devon tomorrow – and for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider leaving a gift to CHAT in my Will?
A gift in your Will is a lasting way to support local people facing homelessness and financial hardship. After you've looked after your loved ones, even a small gift can help ensure CHAT continues bringing hope to people across Mid Devon for generations to come.
How do I leave a gift to CHAT?
Simply ask your solicitor to include a gift to CHAT in your Will. If they need our details, please contact us and we'll be happy to provide our registered charity number and the wording they may require. If you haven’t yet created a Will, then there is a Government page that explains more. Click here.
Do I need to tell CHAT if I leave a gift in my will?
You don't have to, but we'd love to know so we can thank you and keep you updated on our work. You will then be included in our Legacy of Hope. If you wish, any information you share can also be treated in complete confidence.
How will my gift be used?
Unless you request otherwise, your gift will be used wherever the need is greatest, allowing CHAT to respond quickly to people experiencing crisis and hardship in Mid Devon.
Can I specify what my gift is used for?
Yes – you can leave an unrestricted gift (which helps where it's needed most) or request it supports a specific area of our work. If you'd like your gift to support a specific area of CHAT's work, we'd be happy to discuss this with you to ensure your wishes can be honoured.
I don't have much to leave – will a small gift really help?
Absolutely. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us plan for the future and be there for people in crisis.
Is there an inheritance tax benefit?
Gifts to UK registered charities are generally exempt from Inheritance Tax and, in some circumstances, leaving a charitable gift may reduce the overall rate of Inheritance Tax on your estate. We recommend speaking to a solicitor or financial adviser for personal advice.
Do I need to be wealthy to leave a legacy?
Not at all. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. Some people choose to leave all or percentage of their estate to charity, while others leave a fixed sum or a specific item.
What if my circumstances change?
You can update your Will at any time. We appreciate that your family or friends always comes first.