Leave a gift in your will

At Step One Charity, we believe everyone deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and empowered to fulfil their potential.

For over 85 years, we’ve walked alongside people facing challenges with their mental health, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity, offering understanding, guidance, and practical help to build brighter futures.

By leaving a gift in your will, you can make sure this vital support never stops. Your legacy could help someone take their first step toward recovery, feel heard for the first time, or rediscover hope in the midst of despair.

Download our Gifts in Wills brochure

Gifts in wills explained

Leaving a gift to a charity in your will has many benefits, both to you and the charity, which is why more and more people are choosing to donate in this way. Not only are you making sure that a charity close to your heart is able to continue their valuable work, you are also reducing your taxable assets, potentially reducing your overall inheritance tax rate.

A gift in a will, or ‘legacy’ is not taxable, which means that 100% of your gift will go to the charity of your choice. This makes it one of the most effective ways of donating to a charity.

What difference could your gift make?

Mental health challenges can touch any life, at any time. For some, it’s a short-term crisis. For others, it’s a lifelong journey. With the right support, recovery and renewed hope are possible.

Your gift could:

Help someone in crisis find immediate, compassionate support
Provide safe spaces where people can talk openly without judgement
Fund recovery programmes that build confidence, skills, and independence
Support long-term sustainability so our work continues long into the future

Even a small gift can create lasting change. Every year, gifts left in wills make a real impact on the services we provide for people living with disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges in Devon.

Why Sue is leaving a gift in her will

“I think it’s really important to leave money to charities that are going to help people in the long-term. It’s not just about leaving money, but actually it’s about leaving a legacy to other human beings and doing something for them that will enable them to lead a better life going forward.”

‘I became homebound. My mental health got to the worst it’s been.’

Becky has struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. After reaching out for some support through our BeWell service through self-help courses and our Tuesday craft peer support group, Becky’s mental health improved and the group has become part of her life.

Becky’s story

How to leave a gift in your will

We are extremely grateful to anyone who chooses to support us in this way. We understand that making a will or changing an existing one might seem complicated, but it’s easier than you might think. These simple steps will help guide you through the process:

Step 1

Consider who or what you would like to make a gift to

Step 2

Choose your solicitor and executor

Step 3

Make sure the details of your beneficiaries are up to date

Step 4

Write down your wishes and sign with your chosen legal representative

Step 5

If you wish, you can notify any chosen charity

Common questions

What type of gifts can I leave?

Pecuniary gifts – is a specific amount of money. It’s worth bearing in mind that the effects of inflation mean that this type of gift is likely to lose value over time and may end up being less than you initially intend.

Residuary gifts – a percentage of your estate once any specified gifts have been made to friends and family. Many charity supporters choose to leave this type of gift because its value will be dependent on the value of your estate at any given time rather than a set amount.

Specific gifts – such as a personal possession, land, buildings or stocks and shares.

Reversionary gifts – you may wish to set up a trust in your will so that someone can enjoy the benefit of some money or property you have during their lifetime. Afterwards, the remaining money or property would then be donated to us.

Your solicitor will be able to explain this in more detail.

Do I need a solicitor?

Yes! With your gift we can offer a rich and fulfilling service by providing a variety of life-enhancing activities and tools, such as specialist equipment, redecorating wards, providing sensory items that can help calm anxious patients, day trips for those we support in the community, and providing vital mental health support in people’s homes and in the community through our online and in-person BeWell programme.

What if I change my mind?

Including a gift to Step One Charity does not make it a binding commitment while you are still alive. So, you are free to change your mind, and your will, at any time.

I’ve recently written my will. Do I have to go over everything again if I want to leave you a gift?

No. Rather than re-writing everything you can instruct a solicitor to add an amendment to your existing will – which they will then prepare. This is known as a codicil.

What is the process of writing a will?

Most wills are straightforward but it depends on individual circumstances. The process begins with an appointment with your chosen solicitor. Once your wishes have been written, it will then be professionally drafted and sent to you to be signed in the presence of a witness. After signing, the will is usually returned to the solicitor.

I want to leave a gift to Step One Charity, what are the charity details?

The only information you need to provide your solicitor with is our Registered Charity Number and address.
Here are the details:
Step One Charity, X Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD
Registered Charity Number: 235434

More info

Leave a gift in your will

Gifts in wills explained

What difference could your gift make?

Why Sue is leaving a gift in her will

‘I became homebound. My mental health got to the worst it’s been.’

How to leave a gift in your will

Common questions

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Leave a gift in your will

Gifts in wills explained

What difference could your gift make?

Why Sue is leaving a gift in her will

‘I became homebound. My mental health got to the worst it’s been.’

How to leave a gift in your will

Common questions

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Find support

Get involved

Follow us

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Find support

Get involved

Follow us

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Find support

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