An annual campaign is urging Helensburgh and Lomond residents to secure their wills and protect their families’ assets and inheritance - whilst benefitting charities.

Will Aid sees solicitors across the UK volunteer their time to write wills throughout November and enables families to ensure their future is protected and raises funds for UK charities.

Bookings for the scheme will close at the end of November so those who are interested are encouraged to act fast.

Campaign director for Will Aid, Peter de Vena Franks, said: “The money raised each year is incredibly important for each of our partner charities.

“It was inspiring to see our committed solicitors continue to volunteer their time to raise vital funds last year.

“I encourage anyone who does not yet have a will to use this opportunity to protect loved ones and causes close to them, while supporting nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.”

The fundraising campaign shares its proceeds between nine of the UK’s leading charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF in Scotland and Trocaire Northern Ireland.

Participating solicitors write a basic will, waive their usual fee, and instead invite clients to donate to Will Aid where it will go towards the nine charities.

A basic will allows people to leave assets to some family members, friends, and charities, and will include a couple of executors.

As people’s circumstances can vary, clients may be advised by solicitors to consider extra services, including Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), trusts, or tax planning.

In this case, Will Aid will still cover the ‘basic’ will, with the firm charging separately for the extra services.

Chair of Will Aid, Jonathan Chase, added: “We are very grateful to all the solicitors, new and returning, who selflessly volunteer their time to write thousands of wills without their normal fee each year.

“Not only does their philanthropy help thousands of local people protect their loved ones and causes close to them with a professionally written will, but it also helps the Will Aid partner charities continue their life-changing work.”

Will Aid has been running since 1988 and is open to all adults with the campaign encouraging over 350,000 people to write their will with a regulated and insured solicitor.

The campaign has raised over £24 million in donations – with millions more thanks to pledged legacies.

The suggested voluntary donation is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

The scheme is available at five firms in Scotland with participating solicitors offering in-person, online, and phone appointments.

Visit www.willaid.org.uk for more information.