After Umbrage is a charity whose vision is to provide free, short breaks for anyone who has been looking after family members or loved ones with life-limiting or terminal conditions.

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The Story of After Umbrage

Named after the founder’s mother’s Teddy Bear, After Umbrage is a charity whose vision is to provide free, short breaks for anyone who has been looking after family members or loved ones with life limiting or terminal conditions. We would also like to express our deepest condolences by offering breaks to carers within their first 12 months of bereavement.  

“I want to offer something to acknowledge the dedication and strength needed to continue a caring role and the emotional bond the relationship creates. Sometimes it is easy to get lost and I want After Umbrage to be a place to find yourself.”

Tara Belcher, Founder and Trustee of After Umbrage

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WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SET UP AFTER UMBRAGE?

My mum died of breast cancer on 29th June 2003, and before that my Dad was her primary carer. 10 years later on 21st August 2013 my Dad sadly died of lung cancer. Personally, I don’t think he ever recovered from my Mother’s death.

During both my experiences of caring, I found it extremely isolating – despite the support and help of good friends. I can understand how difficult it can be, both emotionally and physically to care for a loved one. After Dad died, I decided to set up After Umbrage. I wanted to provide somewhere for people to go and have time for themselves with friends and family. When you’re caring it’s all absorbing. You become a ‘carer’. You lose that sense of yourself and who you are. I wanted to give carers a space to reconnect with themselves.

Founders Mother & Father

Who does After Umbrage benefit and how?

After Umbrage is here to benefit anyone who is looking after a loved one with a life-limiting condition (or who has been recently bereaved) and is in need of a break. Which from experience is all carers. We have a beautiful cottage just outside Bath called Kingham Cottage, which we offer free of charge for up to four nights for anyone in this situation. Each applicant is allowed up to three stays at the Cottage. Since 2015, we have given away over 270 free holidays to carers of loved ones living with life-limiting and terminal conditions.

We have made the application process for a free break as simple as possible. We know how precious time is, especially for those who are caring. Simply download and complete the referral form, get it stamped or signed by a GP, local hospice or charity you are in contact with and then send it to us. The address is on the form.

It really is that easy.

We also rent the cottage via Classic Cottages, and it is these paid bookings that help us to continue our work.

What is your vision of the future for After Umbrage?

My vision for the charity is to grow. But we need help and I need to start asking for it. We are receiving more carer applications than ever before, which is great. But we need to make sure we can accommodate everyone. I would love to have another cottage available, so a second home for respite holidays is our mission. Offering carers a cottage in every county is the future for After Umbrage.

Make a donation to After Umbrage
Fundraise for us – find out how

Why do you keep doing what you’re doing, providing Care For Carers?

I do it because After Umbrage makes a difference. A real difference. You only have to read the Kingham Cottage visitor’s book to see that. Having been in the position of carer myself, I can’t bear the thought of anyone feeling that loneliness. After Umbrage is here to provide care for those who care, and to make a difference to people’s lives during tricky times. We love what we do.

Book as a Carer
Book as Paying Guests

Booking your break is simple follow these steps

  1. If you are a carer
  2. Click here to download our referral form
  3. Post your form. We will be in touch to book your stay
  1. If you are a paying guest
  2. Thank you for supporting our carers
  3. Take me to the calendar to book my break

Share the Bear

Inspired by the Teddy Bears’ picnic, can we enthuse you to organise a fundraising event around the theme of Umbrage the teddby bear?

Who doesn’t love a picnic? The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” has been a hit with all ages for over 100 years. First written in 1907, the song represents the love each generation has for their teddy bears. It’s the most wholesome of childhood activities.

Taking this idea one step further, could you convert your next social gathering into a fundraising event with a teddy bear theme?

Here are some ideas for you to fundraise for us

Find out how – start today!