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 renewed vigour so they can continue their important caring roles for their loved ones. Naturally, we don’t do this alone. We do this with help from funders and supporters, who donate money and help us spread the word. We want to demonstrate the impact of our supporters’ generosity. And, we choose to do this by sharing a selection of some of the quest book messages our beneficiaries leave at Kingham Cottage.
Without our supporters this wouldn’t happen
Guests from Berkshire have recently returned from a break at our cottage and here they express their appreciation.
![Supporters' generosity has impact](https://afterumbrage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/October-2020-1024x768.jpg)
Beneficiaries can return for up to three free breaks
A handful of our beneficiaries have taken up our offer of more than one break. We like to see the relationship we have started with families continue. Many also help spread the word, like ambassadors, if you like. They can bring their network into the fold. So, in turn, each beneficiary makes their own impact by helping other unpaid carers like themselves.
A little Kingham Cottage magic
During September, like the summer, we were fully booked at Kingham Cottage. Here is a taste of some of the feedback we’ve received from our visitors last month. This illustrates the need and the benefits to unpaid carers of something simple like a short break away, a holiday in a comfortable environment.
![Supporters' generosity has impact](https://afterumbrage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sept-2020-1024x768.jpg)
Your support is never more needed
In many ways this is a thank you post. We are keen to share the amazing thank you notes and comments we receive from our beneficiaries for lots of reasons. Firstly, this is what drives the work of our small charity. We live and breathe care for those who do so much for their loved ones. Secondly, it demonstrates to supporters a little bit of the impact their generosity has on families who have faced so many challenges, and for many this includes bereavement. They deal with mental and physical exhaustion and these mesages show how much a break means to them.
Can you make a donation?
We would be very grateful if you could donate even a small amount to After Umbrage. Just a few pounds helps us provide milk for carers on their arrival at the cottage. You’ve heard it many times over, but the pandemic is having a huge impact on unpaid carers and there are so many more people carrying out this type of role now. Before Covid-19 struck, there were over 6.5 million carers in the UK and it is estimated there are upwards of 13 million carers looking after friends, neighbours and family today. Your donation will help us continue our work and so families like Neil and Cheryl, and Mike and Jenny can come and stay at our cottage, free of charge.
Please don’t forget that other than via donations, there is another really effective way you can support After Umbrage. That is by booking the cottage for your personal break. Every penny of the proceeds from your booking goes towards the charity and free breaks for unpaid carers.
![Supporters' generosity has impact](https://afterumbrage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fundraising-graphic.jpg)
Supporters’ generosity has impact
It is our aim that this post demonstrates the impact of supporters’ generosity. With these beneficiary messages we can see how much of a difference a short break can make. It’s so much more than a holiday away from home. Thank you for your support and please continue to help spread the word.