After Umbrage is a UK charity providing free, restorative short breaks for unpaid carers who support loved ones with life‑limiting or terminal conditions. We currently operate two charity‑owned cottages and are expanding through partnerships with independent holiday‑let owners. 

Demand for respite has grown significantly. We now receive more applications than we can accommodate, and many carers who continue caring long‑term cannot return for additional breaks. Donated nights allow us to support more carers without needing to purchase additional properties. 

It’s completely flexible. Most owners offer 2–10 nights per year, often during low‑season or mid‑week periods. You choose the dates. 

For safety, compliance, and insurance reasons. Commercially let properties already have: 
– Public liability insurance 
– Buildings and contents insurance 
– Fire, gas, and electrical safety compliance 
– Guest‑ready facilities 
– Licensing where required (e.g., Scottish STL licence) 
This ensures carers stay somewhere safe and suitable, and protects owners from risk. 

Yes. Carers are extremely appreciative guests. We vet all applicants, provide clear house rules, and remain the point of contact throughout their stay. Our experience over more than a decade shows carers treat properties with great care. 

We ask owners to maintain their usual cleaning arrangements. If you normally charge a cleaning fee, you may continue to do so — many owners choose to waive it, but it’s entirely up to you. 

You choose the dates you wish to donate. Some owners give us a list of available nights; others offer dates as they arise. We work around your calendar. 

We handle: 
– Vetting and selecting carers
– All communication with guests
– Sharing house rules and expectations
– Managing the booking
– Providing a dedicated contact for owners
– Optional public recognition (digital badge, social media, newsletters) 

Potentially, yes — depending on how your property is operated. 

If your property is a commercially run holiday let (FHL): 
– You can usually continue to deduct normal running costs (utilities, cleaning, insurance, etc.) even for donated nights. 
– You may be able to classify the commercial value of the donated nights as a business expense (e.g., marketing, CSR, or promotional activity). 

Many accountants treat this as a legitimate business deduction because the donation enhances brand reputation and supports corporate social responsibility. 

If your property is not run as a business: 
– You cannot claim tax relief. 
– You cannot deduct costs. 

We recommend owners seek advice from their accountant to confirm any tax benefits available. 

Yes – a simple one‑page agreement outlining expectations, responsibilities, and the dates you’re offering. It’s designed to be quick and easy. 

Absolutely. You can: 

– Remain anonymous 
– Be thanked privately 
– Be publicly recognised as a supporter 
– Join our “Founding Partners” group if you donate early in the programme 

You choose what feels right. 

That’s fine. There is no long‑term commitment. You can adjust or pause your involvement at any time – we only ask for as much notice as possible. 

Simply contact us via email to register your interest. We’ll arrange a short call, answer any questions, and help you get set up.