Welcoming our first Will Writer in Cornwall marks an exciting new chapter for Simon Hall Will Writing Services as we continue to expand across the South West. With the appointment of Meah Howlett, we’re now able to offer our friendly, professional Will Writing service to more families specifically in St Austell and surrounds.
Meah brings an unusual background to the role. Before joining Simon Hall Will Writing Services, she built a career in radio journalism, working with BBC Radio Cornwall and community radio stations. What she quickly discovered was that the qualities that make a good journalist, listening carefully, asking the right questions and putting people at ease, are exactly the same qualities that make an excellent Will Writer.
Photo Credit: CHAOS Digital
Looking for a Will Writer in Cornwall?
Look no further than Meah in St Austell! We caught up with Meah on a video call to find out more about her journey, what attracted her to Estate Planning and why she believes everyone, regardless of age, should think about putting their affairs in order.
What first attracted you to journalism?
Meah: I’ve always loved radio. When I was younger I struggled with anxiety and, for a period, I became agoraphobic. My mum encouraged me to find something that would help me rebuild my confidence, so I contacted lots of community radio stations asking if anyone would give me a chance.
One station manager in Torquay replied and invited me in. They taught me everything from scratch and that’s really where my journey began.
From there I studied Journalism at Falmouth University before going on to freelance with BBC Radio Cornwall. Community radio has always remained important to me because it connects people and helps you become part of the community you’re living in.
How did that lead to becoming a Will Writer in St Austell?
Meah: It wasn’t an obvious career move at first, but the more I learnt about Will Writing, the more I realised how many skills transferred across.
As a journalist you’re constantly meeting people you’ve never met before. You need to build trust quickly, ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully and sometimes have conversations about sensitive subjects.
That’s exactly what happens when you’re helping someone plan their future. You’re not just filling in paperwork. You’re taking the time to understand what’s important to them and making sure their wishes are properly reflected.
Is asking questions the most important skill?
Meah: Asking good questions is important, but listening is just as important.
One of the biggest lessons journalism teaches you is not to think about your next question while someone is talking. Instead, you really need to listen.
People often tell you something completely unexpected and that’s where the most important conversations begin.
I think being genuinely curious about people and wanting to understand their circumstances is a huge part of both journalism and Will Writing.
You’ve also spent a lot of time working in the community?
Meah: Yes. I’ve always enjoyed helping people.
As I became more experienced in radio, I started teaching new volunteers and later developed training programmes to help people improve their digital skills.
Some of the people I worked with were well into their eighties, so patience became one of the most valuable skills I could develop. Seeing someone leave feeling more confident than when they arrived was incredibly rewarding.
Helping people understand something that initially feels unfamiliar is very similar to helping someone through the Will Writing process.
What does your training involve at Simon Hall Will Writing Services?
Meah: There’s a lot of learning, but it’s all very practical.
I’ve spent time shadowing Simon, attending specialist training, reading the course material and gradually becoming more involved in client appointments.
Every appointment teaches me something new, whether that’s how Simon approaches a conversation or the questions he asks to make sure clients have considered every aspect of their planning.
You’ve spoken openly about anxiety. Does your experience in this area help you understand nervous clients?
Meah: I think it definitely does. If someone feels anxious, I think it’s important they know exactly what to expect before you even arrive.
That’s why I take the time to explain the process clearly, am flexible about appointment times and always make sure people don’t feel rushed. These little steps make a big difference.
Sometimes it’s something simple like sending a photograph beforehand so a client will know who’s coming to their home. Anything that removes uncertainty helps people feel more relaxed.
Have you written your own Will yet?
Meah: Not yet!
Ironically, learning more about Estate Planning has made me realise how important it is. Like many younger people, I probably assumed it was something to think about later in life. Now I understand that it’s really about making life easier for the people around you if something unexpected happens.
Why should younger people think about making a Will?
Meah: I think many people simply don’t realise a Will isn’t just for older people. If you have a partner, own property, have pets or simply want your wishes carried out, it’s worth thinking about.
Life changes all the time, and you can always review or update your Will as circumstances change. The important thing is not to keep putting it off. Readers may be interested to find out more about UK law with regard to making a Will on the Government website.
We hear you have a cat!
Meah: I do! Her name is Isla.
She’s definitely part of the family, so when I write my own Will I’ll absolutely be thinking about who would look after her.
What were your first impressions of Simon Hall Will Writing Services?
Meah: From the very beginning Simon and Linda made me feel incredibly welcome. You can immediately tell they genuinely care about people and everyone I’ve met across the wider team shares those same values. Coming from journalism, where newsrooms can sometimes be quite competitive, it’s refreshing to be part of a team that’s supportive, friendly and genuinely interested in helping clients and one another.
Watching Simon with clients has been inspiring. He has a wonderful way of putting people at ease and his sense of humour helps make what can be a difficult conversation feel completely natural. I’m genuinely excited to be part of the team and to help more people across Cornwall plan for the future with confidence.
If you’re old enough to have responsibilities, you’re old enough to have a Will. Owning a home, living with a partner, running a business, caring for loved ones or even having a much loved pet are all reasons to think about Estate Planning. Contact Meah to discuss your specific requirements.
Simon Hall Will Writing Services
Simon Hall Will Writing Services was started by Simon Hall in 2019 to provide our clients with peace of mind both now and in future. We offer Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney.