By Anna Swift, Clinical Director at Wigan & Leigh Hospice
We think about what matters most, the people we love, and the hopes we carry with us into the months ahead. It can also be a good moment to consider something many of us put off: planning for our future care and making sure our wishes are known.
At Wigan and Leigh Hospice, we see every day how valuable these conversations can be. One of the most important roles of health and social care professionals supporting people with life‑limiting illnesses is to talk openly about the future. These discussions aren’t about expecting the worst – they’re about giving people control, clarity, and comfort.
An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a key part of this – it’s a process of gentle, thoughtful conversation between you, your loved ones, and your care team. An ACP helps you express what matters to you – the type of care you would want, where you would prefer to be looked after, your personal values, and any worries you may have about what lies ahead. Starting these discussions early can be especially helpful, particularly if there may come a time when you are unable to communicate your wishes yourself.
When we support someone to create an ACP, we write down their wishes clearly, encourage them to review their plan regularly, and – with their permission – share it with the people involved in their care.
Many patients tell us that having an ACP brings reassurance, not only for themselves but also for their families, who feel more confident knowing they are honouring their loved one’s choices.
Planning ahead also means thinking about what happens after we die, and this is where writing a will becomes so important.
A will ensures your wishes are respected, your loved ones are cared for, and your legacy is protected.
Without one, the law decides how your estate is divided, which can lead to confusion and distress at an already difficult time.
To make this easier, our Supporter Will Scheme offers the opportunity to write or amend your will free of charge with one of our trusted local solicitors. There is no obligation to leave a gift to the hospice, though many people choose to do so as a way of giving back. Even a small gift – such as one per cent of your estate – can make a meaningful difference.
With less than a third of our funding coming from the NHS, gifts in wills help us continue providing compassionate care to local people when they need it most.
As we begin a new year, I encourage you to take a moment to think about your future wishes – for your care, your loved ones, and your legacy.
These conversations may feel difficult, but they are an act of kindness, clarity, and love for the people who matter most.
If you would like to find out more about our Supporter Will Scheme, please contact our Fundraising Team at: fundraising@wlh.org.uk.
Note: This article was originally published on the Wigan Today website, on Friday 23 January 2026.