
Apply for your free break away for carers
If you are or have recently been looking after a loved one with a life limiting condition, After Umbrage is offering carers a short break free of charge at its tranquil cottage near Bath.
This is a guest blog, written byTara Belcher, founder of charity After Umbrage
I know all too well the physical and emotional anguish when loved ones suffer from a life limiting condition. Having spent years caring for both parents, who died from cancer 10 years apart, I wanted
to do everything I possibly could for them. I also knew the value of taking time out for my own wellbeing and set up After Umbrage (named after my mother’s teddy bear), to help alleviate the pain by providing support in a way that is not pity and advice, but simply provides a space to rest and restore.
About the cottage
Kingham Cottage is an idyllic retreat set just outside the city of Bath, overlooking views of Wiltshire, which Iacquired to offer respite care for carers. Exposed beams, a secluded patio, an inglenook fireplace and a roll top bath create a luxurious home from home for up to four people. You can find peace and tranquility alongside the amenities and historical sights of Bath only five minutes away.
After Umbrage is pleased to offer the accommodation free of charge for up to four nights for anyone who has been looking after loved ones with a life limiting condition.
How to apply
Each applicant is allowed up to three stays, including time for those recently bereaved. We hosted 37 families in 2018 and we’d love every carer to know about us. Here is Rachael’s story.
To book your free break, there is a short referral form that you can download from every page of our website. Staying in touch is easy by signing up to our newsletter and joining us on Facebook and Twitter.
Please tell every carer you know about After Umbrage, and we hope you can come and stay with us. See you soon.
– written by Tara Belcher.
More News
Help to shape our future services
This year it is more important than ever for us to hear from carers from across East Sussex. We want to hear what works well for you and what we could be doing differently as we plan our services...
Young Carers Appeal 2026
Can you help to give local young carers a break this summer? To mark Carers Week 2026, we are launching an appeal to help ensure that local young carers get to be a child and take a break this...
Get ready for Carers Week!
This Carers Week, 8th - 14th June 2026, we are celebrating the amazing carers in East Sussex, thanking them for everything they do. Carers Week is also an important time to raise awareness of...






