For unpaid carers a night of unbroken sleep is a rare treat. Also rare is a day without a schedule of administering medication, using specialist equipment such as hoists, lifting and pushing wheelchairs, and providing nourishment, sometimes in the form of specialist feeds for tube-fed loved ones. That said, probably what is missed the most […]
Countryside walks near Kingham Cottage
The countryside around Kingham Cottage is stunningly beautiful. There are a variety of walks in the immediate area for you to explore. Some are quite easy-going, while others take a bit more stamina. Our beneficiaries tell us the walks they enjoy are a big part of the pleasure of staying at our cottage. In particular, […]
I was drawn like a magnet to After Umbrage
Atiq Hassan felt pulled towards After Umbrage. ‘It is because the charity understands that caring for a loved one is very emotional and difficult’, he said. ‘I was drawn to After Umbrage like a magnet.’ ‘Our stay at Kingham Cottage was wonderful.’ Atiq, originally from Karachi, Pakistan is a registered carer for his daughter who […]
Conversations about grief and loss
This week (25th to 31st October), Radio 2 is looking at grief and loss. It is their wish to make conversations easier about these difficult emotions. It means that there are lots of great resources available that might be useful for our beneficiaries and their loved ones. Further afield, they might help us all normalise […]
Supporters’ generosity has impact
Unpaid carers face daily challenges and perpetual uncertainty about the future. This takes resilience in abundance. After Umbrage, the charity that cares for those who care, recognises this, and everything we do is channeled towards giving unpaid carers a free break. It’s so that they can rest, and restore their energy. A break results in […]
Top Tips to Book a Break
Beneficiaries of After Umbrage are carers of loved ones living with life-limiting conditions. For them, life contains perpetual rounds of hospital visits, form filling in, and sleepless nights. They worry about what the next day will unfold. They are constantly on the go, feeling unwell themselves but have no time for self-care. Furthermore, often they […]
It’s our Birthday!
It’s our Birthday! We are 7 years old today. Happy and proud with much to reflect on and loads to look forward to. Reaching 7 years is a great milestone for any charity, business or organisation. It feels like a milestone of success. We think that’s down to our very simple mantra – to care […]
Thrilled to stay at Kingham Cottage
Suzy Piazza and her family are one of 190 carer families who have visited Kingham Cottage. She was thrilled to stay at Kingham Cottage and has kindly written this blog post for us. She captures her thoughts to share with other carer families who are coming to stay. In so doing, she also sheds light […]
Lifeline for families caring for seriously ill children
The impact of COVID-19 is pushing families caring for a seriously ill child to breaking point. It is a frightening and lonely time for carers. If you need help or advice, or just someone to talk to, our partner charity, Together for Short Lives has a helpline and their family support hub is available to you. They […]
Shine a Spotlight on Brainstrust
Brainstrust is a UK wide brain tumour charity and a community, which helps thousands of people who are affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. They have been part of our growing referral network since 2016 and continue to refer their beneficiaries to us for a free break at Kingham Cottage. Thus, we’d like to shine […]