In this blog, our Fenland Village Agent, Lucille Bingham, talks about the importance of having a will and a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.

 

Working as a Village Agent, I meet people from all walks of life. Some come to our Community Hubs for a chat and a cuppa or for help finding local services. Others come because they’re worried about something but aren’t quite sure where to turn. Over the past year, one issue has come up more and more: people wanting to get their Will or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) sorted, but feeling completely overwhelmed about where to start.

It’s something I see often. We know we should plan ahead, but life gets busy. Paperwork feels daunting. And for many, the whole subject can feel a bit uncomfortable. But through my work in the community, I’ve seen just how important it is – and how big a difference it makes when people get the right support.

 

Why having a will or LPA really matters

When I talk with people in the Community Hubs about wills or LPAs, the biggest thing that comes up is peace of mind. Putting these documents in place can:

• Make sure your wishes are clear and legally protected
• Reduce stress and uncertainty for family members
• Ensure someone you trust can make decisions if you lose capacity
• Protect your home, finances and treasured belongings
• Prevent disagreements at what can already be a difficult time

So many people tell me they feel an enormous sense of relief once it’s sorted. It’s one of those things you don’t realise is weighing on you until it’s done.

 

How one simple conversation sparked something bigger

A little while ago at the Coates Community Living Room, two residents asked if I knew anyone who could explain wills and LPAs in plain English. So I reached out and arranged for someone with the right expertise to come in and give a short talk.

What happened next really took me by surprise.

Instead of talking to just one or two people, we suddenly had a queue of residents wanting information, reassurance and guidance. People who had been putting it off for years were finally ready to take that first step – simply because someone friendly, knowledgeable and easy to talk to was right there in the room.

One person later told me:

“I felt instantly at ease discussing personal things… the whole process was simple and done with no problems.”

And that’s exactly what our community spaces are all about: removing barriers, creating confidence and helping people access support that truly matters.

Since that first visit, I’ve shared the speaker’s details with several more residents and invited them to other Community Hubs across Fenland – not because we promote any particular provider, but because when someone local offers clear, accessible support, it helps our community enormously.

 

The difference Community Hubs make

Moments like this remind me why our Community Hubs are so valuable. They give people a safe, welcoming space to have conversations they might not otherwise have. They bring services closer to home. And they help residents take important steps they’ve been putting off – not through pressure, but through trust.

When the right information is available at the right time, people feel empowered. They feel in control. And they realise they don’t have to face these things alone.

 

Why you shouldn’t put it off

If you’ve been thinking about writing a will or organising an LPA, here’s what I’ve learned from supporting people across Fenland:

• None of us know what tomorrow will bring
• The process is usually far quicker and easier than expected
• You remain firmly in control of your choices
• Your family won’t be left guessing
• Once it’s done, people often say, “I wish I’d done this years ago”

Taking that first step is the hardest – but it’s also the most important.

 

Taking control of your future

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to know the legal language. You just need someone you can talk to, who will explain things clearly and guide you through your options without any pressure.

As Village Agents, we’re here to help you find that support – whoever the right person is for you.

Getting your affairs in order isn’t just paperwork. It’s a way of caring for yourself and for the people who matter most to you. And in our Community Hubs, I see every week just how powerful that can be.

 

You can find out where your nearest Community Hub is here.