Advance Directives, Wills, and What You Really Need to Have in Place

When someone we love is nearing the end of life—or when we’re planning ahead for ourselves—questions around paperwork and planning can feel overwhelming. At Bridges Support Services, which includes individuals and families across Birmingham and our Compassionate Communities work in Sandwell, we understand the confusion and uncertainty that can come with these conversations.

Many people ask: What do I really need to have in place? How do I make sure my wishes are respected? What if I don’t know where to start?

We’re here to offer clear and compassionate guidance, without legal jargon or pressure—just the essentials that matter most.

What’s an Advance Directive? An Advance Directive, also known as a Living Will or Advance Decision, allows you to express your preferences about medical treatment in case you’re ever unable to make decisions in the future. You can outline the treatments you would or wouldn’t want, whether you’d prefer to be cared for at home, in a hospice, or hospital, and who should speak on your behalf through a Lasting Power of Attorney. In England and Wales, these decisions are legally recognised and can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Why a Will Still Matters Even if you feel you don’t have much to pass on, making a Will is a vital step. It ensures your belongings go to the people or causes that matter to you, appoints guardians if you have children, and helps reduce stress and uncertainty for those left behind. Writing a Will doesn’t have to be complicated. While some people prefer to use a solicitor, there are also reliable, affordable Will-writing services available—and we can help you access them.

A Huge Thank You We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Paul from Accord Legal Services for delivering such an insightful and engaging session during #DyingMattersWeek 💬We learned so much about the importance of Will writing, Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and how to safeguard our futures and protect the people we care about most. Planning ahead brings peace of mind, for you and your loved ones.

👉 To learn more, visit: www.accordwills.co.uk

The Essentials We Recommend If you or someone you love is in the last 12 weeks of life, or simply planning ahead, we recommend having the following in place:

• Advance Directive or Living Will – to express your treatment preferences

• Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare – to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf

• A Will – to ensure your estate is handled according to your wishes

• Funeral Plan or Preferences – this can ease the burden on your family, both emotionally and financially

• An Open Conversation – above all, talking to your loved ones can be the most powerful step you take

We’re Here to Help Bridges Support Services offers end-of-life support throughout Birmingham. Whether you’re a carer, a patient, or a family member, we’re here to guide you with kindness, practical advice, and local knowledge. We can help you access trusted legal professionals, provide support in having difficult conversations, and stand alongside you through one of life’s most significant times.

Let’s take the fear out of planning, together.

If you’d like to talk, we’re only a phone call or message away.

📞 Telephone: 0121 612 2939

📧 Email: Bridges.support@nhs.net

🌐 Visit us online: www.murrayhall.co.uk