Wall of Love

I am incredibly grateful to Carefree for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful two-night break in Oban. This past year has been extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally. Alongside being an unpaid carer for my dad, I’ve experienced a divorce, sold my marital home and undergone major surgery. My mental health has suffered, and I hadn’t realised just how desperately I needed some time for myself. I made the most of every moment! I enjoyed a boat trip, a wander around the shops and treated myself to a new jacket, I watched a beautiful sunset with a glass of wine and attended a fantastic comedy show right beside the hotel. For once, I could switch off from my caring responsibilities, relax and simply enjoy being me again. I returned home feeling refreshed, revitalised and emotionally recharged. This was so much more than a weekend away. It reminded me that my own happiness and wellbeing matter too. Thank you, Carefree, for giving me something truly priceless… time to look after myself. The difference those two nights have made to me is incredible. Zoe x

It was great just to be away from caring duties without any children. Able to eat, drink and even use the toilet without being followed, interpreted, etc. The time away let me de-stress and feel refreshed after a good night's sleep. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to have a decent sleep at home. Great for the mind. Thank you very much. It's much appreciated.

The break was very important for us, as at the moment my daughter doesn’t receive any respite at all, as we are on a long waiting list and have been for over a year now. We don’t have many people in our family who we can rely on to take care of our daughter. The hotel was amazing 🤩 After we had dinner in their lovely hotel, we sat relaxing in the hotel lounge with a few wee drinks (we never get to do that). It was truly amazing!! We could feel the weight coming off our shoulders, and we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves. The staff were amazing. They were friendly, cheerful and helpful. We would definitely love to return. Thank you to all the staff and management for making our stay a very enjoyable and relaxing one.

This was the first time I have been able to get away with my partner in a very long time. I feel it has strengthened our relationship, which usually takes second place to our caring responsibilities. We had a chance to go walking, eat out and have fun together. This is something we may never take for granted, as we care for our adult child who has autism and will probably never live independently.

Caring is relentless emotionally and physically. My daughter has been going through a lot medically, with lots of appointments, etc. It is so important to breathe and try to release the stress of all of that. This was my second visit to the hotel. The staff are so welcoming and helpful, and they upgraded me to a lovely sea-view room. Unfortunately, I only got to stay one night due to a family emergency, but even the journey to Oban and back and watching the scenery was so relaxing. The views of the harbour, the lovely breakfast and the chance to have a good night's sleep made me feel more human again.

It was lovely to simply have a change of scenery for a couple of days and found the hotel and staff to be very welcoming and the room was lovely.

I stayed two nights in a hotel. The room was lovely, quiet and had a great shower and comfy bed. I felt safe and enjoyed my stay. Breakfast was included, so I didn't have to cook or clean. I explored the area around and walked along the small beach. It blew the cobwebs away. I came home with a weight lifted off my shoulders. Will do this again.

Arrochar Hotel was in a beautiful and peaceful setting. It was comfortable and the staff were friendly and attentive. This break was just what I needed as caring has been very stressful recently. I’ve come home feeling rested and more able to pick things up and carry on. Marie x

I had a lovely, relaxing time in Oban. I didn't do very much but I chilled and read my book. It was a great chance to relax, thank you.

I hit crisis the Wednesday before my break and had to be admitted to hospital overnight. The break gave me the chance to hear my own thoughts for once and come to the conclusion that a lot of what has happened with my caring role has been traumatic and I need to stop pushing myself to be fine and start looking at things through a trauma informed lens and get appropriate help and support to process what has happened and generally be more gentle with myself.

My break was important to me because I needed a wee rest, and it was good to get away for a couple of days, to a different environment. The Hotel was really nice, and very clean and also helpful staff. The scenery was lovely all around the Hotel. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable stay.

We had a lovely time at The Glenburn Hotel, Rothesay. The room was lovely, bed was extremely comfortable, we had a bath - which was great to soak in. We didn't have dinner in the hotel as we went out to explore Rothesay, we had breakfast, which was a buffet and was delicious. Staff extremely helpful. We sat and played cards at night with a night cap. All in all, we had a lovely break and would definitely stay again in this hotel.

Helped me rest and focus on myself and my interests. I enjoyed and planned activities for myself and didn't worry about anyone else's needs.

Thanks to Carefree for a wonderful break. The ease at which I could choose a destination (mine being Stranraer at the North West Castle Hotel), through to paying for the admin fee and receiving confirmation of the booking, seemed effortless. I went with an old friend, and the drive through Cumbria and the wonderfully verdant Scotland was a pleasure in itself. We had a walk around the town and an excellent meal in the hotel. As we were in a car, we drove down to the bird sanctuary at the Mull of Galloway, where we spotted Cormorants, Gannets and Stonechats, among others. The Gallie Craig Coffee House, located there, provided nice coffee and cakes. Heading back to the hotel, we were afforded the luxury of a swim in a warm pool, a sauna and a jacuzzi, all included in the price. There was enough to see and do in the town, and we had a nice meal and a few drinks in the evening. I would also like to thank the hotel staff at reception, in the bar, the restaurant and cleaners for their friendly and helpful demeanour.

1 hour 40 min drive to get to the hotel. I am an unpaid carer for my son who has ADHD and Autism. Times can be challenging. We recently lost my dad to Pancreatic Cancer (4th July) I was caring for my dad prior to his passing, overnight 12-15 hours every 2nd night. This on top of my caring responsibilities has been extremely difficult and has taken a toll on me both physically and mentally. I am exhausted. I am run down and have been ill since we buried my dad. I have also been struggling with my mobility and have been relying on crutches. This break away for me was the first time I'd left the house (and couch) in 2 weeks. We arrived at the hotel shortly after check-in. Went to our room, left our bags then went out a drive. We found a restaurant and had food, then continued to drive. We ended up in Port Patrick. I've never been there before. We sat in the carpark overlooking the harbour, it was beautiful. When we returned to the hotel we decided to use the leisure facilities; pool, hot tub & sauna. It was tricky for me to navigate due to being on crutches, but I managed. The rest of the night we watched TV, scrolled on our mobiles, drank juice and ate snacks. It was nice to switch off and be in different surroundings. The following morning, we went for breakfast at 9am, we were promptly seated. There was an array of food/drink on a table to help yourself to. One of the ladies helped me with my food as she could see I was struggling; thank you for helping me, I appreciate it ❤️ Our order was taken for our cooked breakfast. I brought oat milk (I cannot have dairy) and staff were happy to heat this so I could have a latte, again, thank you for doing this for me. The cooked breakfast was delicious! We were due to check-out at 11am but asked if we could have an extra hour as I wanted to soak in a bath. The hotel were happy to accommodate us. We enjoyed our time at the hotel, staff were friendly and helpful.

As we have no one to look after our child, I took my sister on the break, and my partner took charge. Previously, I had not had a respite break or even been able to go out for a meal for 8 years. I truly appreciate every part of the break and would like to say how wonderful the hotel was. It was absolutely beautiful and in a great location for exploring and easy to get to. Thanks so much, Carefree, and the hotel.

We didn’t travel far for our break, in case we needed to return, but we both felt like we had longer away than one night.

My son has epilepsy and learning disabilities. Every day is unpredictable, and I haven't had time to care for myself. He is now undergoing assessment for brain surgery, and I am aware that life will get harder. During my stay, I rested and took along a pampering kit. I felt amazingly relaxed.

It gives me some time to relax away from home. It gives me a chance to explore and switch off. The hotel was very welcoming, with a lot of history and a beautiful garden just two minutes walk away. We explored the local Portpatrick harbour and went down into the coves to explore. The hotel meals at night were lovely and good quality, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Many thanks. Very much appreciated.

Thank you so much for this break. It was so so badly needed. We were honestly just about hanging on by a thread before we had it. Even staying for just one day was like gold and made me feel more human again...a lot more human- We needed this so much and are so so grateful to all the kind a lovely staff who made our stay so lovely and relaxing. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I saw a glimpse of who I once was...it has made me much stronger and more able to fulfil my continual caring role with more lightness. It was a very nourishing trip. Thank you so so much

We chose a place we had visited before, and is in a good location for RHS Wisley. It meant we could spend time together, without having to think about caring for our son, and to be able to visit the gardens without having to worry about how he would manage it. Time to focus on us and our needs.

My break was important as I have been feeling pretty burnt out and needed a moment to pause. Had I not had the break I wouldn’t get to stop.

This break was definitely a well-deserved rest, and the hotel was amazing. It was a breath of fresh air, and the staff made you feel welcome. The scenery was outstanding — it was definitely a place to go to for a relaxing holiday.

I kept the break local. So I could get back quickly for my daughter if needed. Also nice not having to travel for long. I used the break to rest. Slept and relax.

Taking this break was truly a blessing, and it came at a time when I was feeling very overwhelmed. I am caring for two, one under 18 and one over 18. I was at a point of exhaustion, but the time away gave me the retreat I needed to recharge, reconnect with myself and feel better to continue with my vital role.

A lovely break away, even for just a couple of nights, is very welcome and it helps relieve the stress and pressure, even though it’s just for a while before I start to feel stressed again. As for the hotel, it’s absolutely beautiful and in a wonderful part of Scotland and is well worth the long journey through some of the most amazing countryside. The hotel staff are great and very cheerful.

The break gave my husband and I the opportunity to just relax for 48 hours. The staff at the hotel were all so welcoming and made us feel at ease.

This was a wonderful opportunity for me to go away on a road trip to Scotland with my best friend. The hotel had stunningly beautiful views, the staff were delightful and thoroughly helpful, and the food was delicious. Thank you Carefree, thank you Gairloch Hotel. A special experience.

Having the break gave me time to focus a little on myself away from the stress of daily caring for my person. The hotel was relaxing and in a quiet remote part, away from noise and lots of people. The hotel was clean and the staff friendly and welcoming.

We had a lovely time on our break. The hotel staff were great and looked after us very well, and we were able to feel much more rested than before our break.

The break was really important, as it made me feel relaxed and like an individual in my own right. It made a real difference that I didn’t really have to do anything that weekend, except what I wanted to do. Plus, I got fed and watered without having to think about it. The hotel staff were helpful and happy, which made the stay more enjoyable. Thank you for offering such an invaluable service to those who care for others and may not have been able to get away otherwise.

The break in routine, in a lovely place, really recharged my batteries. Not too far away, so I was able to relax knowing I could get home if there was an emergency. The hotel was warm and cozy while the weather was cold and wet. Sitting by a log fire was perfect. The staff were lovely. I couldn't fault anything. Thank you to both Carefree and The George Hotel.

My Carefree breaks are very much needed breaks for me; they give me a sense of being a valued member of my family. Because they think I'm taking breaks to look after myself, which makes me happy. Also, I'm away from my caring role.

Yes, thank you. The hotel was absolutely lovely and exceeded all my expectations in every way. It was extremely beautiful and peaceful, and very easy to get to even without a car. The break made me realise how important it is to take care of myself first, which has really changed my whole mindset, so I’m very grateful for that. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

I hadn't realised quite how much I needed that break. I knew I was struggling but hadn't realised how bad it had got. It was so wonderful to get away and just relax and please myself.

The hotel and staff were lovely, my husband and I were able to meet with friends that we never see. This stay created that opportunity, being that they live so far away, so it really helped being able to see friends and have a lovely time without caring responsibilities. Thank you.

First break in quite a while and enjoyed every minute of it. Lovely hotel, friendly, helpful staff, good food and a comfortable bed. So all in all, a big thank you to the Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore. An additional bonus was being able to take my wee dog with me, who was made very welcome at the hotel - also having really good weather and of course the beautiful scenery. Thank you also to Carefree. I so appreciated the break at this lovely hotel.

I booked the weekend away for my husband and I. My son has autism, and my daughter has medical issues. Our parents have their own health problems now, so we are unable to get away as much as we would like. This break allowed us to be a couple, not just parents and carers. Having some alone time was very much needed. We climbed Ben Nevis, so we were able to have a wee adventure and make great memories. The hotel and location were fantastic for us.

It was truly unwinding. I have never seen the icy peak mountains before. The views were stunning, and I was unable to think about anything at all, which was really needed - just peace in mind and fresh air. Thank you!

I had a really tough start to the year with the person I care for. Things were starting to get strained and affecting my home and family life. I really needed some time to myself to have a reset and go back to my caring role with a calmer mindset.

The break came at a time when there were lots of different areas of stress in our lives coming to a head... medical, educational, financial and problems with other family members. It gave me something to look forward to in the lead-up, I managed to let go of everything whilst I was there, and whilst I have returned to some very challenging situations which need dealing with, I feel reinvigorated to do so. I have never left my child with friends before, and it worked well for both of us. Our relationship has improved by having a break from each other. The hotel staff are so welcoming, kind and just wonderful. The hotel itself is beautiful and feels so luxurious. I love it there.

This break has been very important to me as it was the first time I got a chance to spend some time with my husband without the kids since we became parents 13 years ago. Thanks to Carefree, our family understood that the break from being a carer is important, even a short one, and it has a positive impact on our mental health. Hopefully, they will help out regularly in the future. The hotel was amazing, and all the staff were so kind and helpful. The food in the restaurant was delicious. Thank you so much!

Such a lovely opportunity to take some well-needed time for myself and to feel seen and recognised for everything I do. Thank you.

I felt relaxed and refreshed, and came back feeling more able to cope and a bit stronger than I was before

Before this break, I was on the verge of a breakdown. I’ve been caring for my dad for six years, who has terminal cancer that has spread to the bone. Recently, he lost his ability to walk. Alongside working and caring full-time, I felt like I was losing the will to live. I love my job, I work as a poet (though I’ve had to slow down due to my caring responsibilities)-I perform for charities and organisations. I witness some of the world’s saddest atrocities (poverty, trafficking, discrimination, etc.) and bring those experiences to donors through poetry: helping them to understand how their donations bring change. It is indeed one thing to witness what other people are going through. However, when you are faced with an ongoing challenge in your own home, including an increasing allocentric load, the burden becomes unbearable. Having a break and being able to do what I love, such as reading, writing and going on a run, has been the push I needed to keep going. When I walked into the room, I burst into tears. My name wasn’t being called, no need to be on my feet all day. My shoulders stopped hurting. Most of all, my day was my own. I didn’t realise how utterly worn out and void of energy I was. The break allowed me to connect with myself again. As a human, as a woman, a writer and as somebody who still has so many dreams at 27 years old. I am very thankful that there are hotels that offer this. I am eternally grateful. Thank you Carefree for what you do. You do not know what you’ve done for me. Thank you.

I had a lovely stay in Tulloch Castle in Inverness. I've always wanted to go to Scotland, and I love castles, so this was perfect. I loved the history of the castle, its easy and beautiful location. The staff and service at the hotel were impeccable, with gorgeous breakfasts and cosy rooms. I had the best interrupted sleep and slow mornings that really filled up my cup!

I would never have gone away if it weren’t for this break. It has greatly improved my mental health, and I feel ready to continue my caring role with a smile. Myself and my partner managed to share a bed on our own for the first time in 4 years, and it’s the little things like that that make a huge difference. The Kyle Hotel was amazing, very welcoming, and the staff were all amazing and very friendly. I felt like it was a home from home and really enjoyed my time there. Thank you Carefree and the Kyle Hotel x

The staff were wonderful, very pleasant and welcoming. It was lovely to have a break from doing the same things every day. Being able to go for a swim, sauna, jacuzzi, having breakfast (not only made for me but served to me), not having to clean up and having a peaceful and full night's sleep. Thank you to the hotel staff.

We had a lovely stay, it was peaceful, relaxing and reenergising. It cleared my head, and it felt like a reset. We’ve created some lovely memories. The staff at the hotel were lovely, and the accommodation was great.

Only went to the Scottish Highlands as I always wanted to visit. I took my friend on the break, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the scenery and being away from the caring role, even just being served a meal I didn't have to cook felt great. The staff at the hotel couldn't have been nicer. It was so great not having to worry about anything but me for a change, not getting woken up during the night to do care, and being able to just do what I wanted.

My break was very important to me as looking after my son is a full-time job, which causes me so much stress. Thank you for my break.

We had time to ourselves and could relax. We could sleep soundly and wake up when we wanted to. Our son will rarely sleep more than 5 hours at a time, so we get disturbed nights. The food in the restaurant was nice, and it gave me a break from cooking. I have already sent a thank-you email to Coulsdon Manor.

The break provided some much-needed reconnection time for me and my husband. It was lovely and important to be able to have a couple of days in a different place and just switch off for a while. The hotel was in a fantastic position, right by the sea and within walking distance of everything we needed. The staff were lovely and the breakfast was excellent. Thank you for providing such a vital service.

The hotel was lovely as were the staff. It gave us the chance to meet my nephew who was born almost a year ago. Due to a disability, he was in hospital in Glasgow and we hadn't been able to make the journey to visit due to caring responsibilities and financial strains. It was really nice to be able to connect with them.

Wow, what an amazing short break. We had two nights stay at Tulloch Castle Hotel in Dingwall. From the very moment we arrived, we knew it was going to be a wonderful experience. The front of house staff made us feel so welcome and gave us a free upgrade to our room. The room was amazing, as was everything about the hotel. Breakfast was included in our break, which was lovely. The quality of the cooked breakfast was noticeable. We had dinner in the hotel, and again the food was outstanding. I really can't thank you enough, as it is not somewhere I would ever imagined we could stay. It started to snow the night before we left, which made it all the more magical, and I secretly hoped we got snowed in because we enjoyed our break so much. It was lovely to get the time to relax and recharge. It makes you realise just how fast-paced day-to-day life is, trying to juggle caring for family along with raising your own family. I am so, so thankful for this break. Thank you.

Thank you so so so much for this. I hadn't been away anywhere with my husband for years. ....I'd forgotten how to just 'be' to be a real human for a few hours without walking on eggshells or serving others who I love, but 17 years of service without a break can be so, so hard. I felt respected and cared for, and so so lucky to be given this opportunity and to find a part of my old self again. I hope that I can bring this part of myself back to my caring role. It gave me validity and a bit of confidence, and the staff were so kind and caring and respectful. Really, this is a lifeline- without respite for carers like us, we are in severe danger of burnout, and if we burn out, who will look after our kids? We had to stay at a hotel fairly near the kids' grandparents in case we got a call, but even then it was SO AMAZING to have time to just 'be'. Thank you so so much to you at Carefree and to everyone at the hotel for being so kind to us...me and my husband want to go back to the hotel bar and restaurant for an hour next time we are near his parent's house so that we can remember who we are again and actually talk- which we never get a chance to do as our caring roles are so intense. Thank you so much. We are so so grateful, and it feels great to be respected and visible for once. Thank you so so so much. We are going back to our caring role with renewed energy and dignity and we thank you SO SO MUCH!!

It was a much-needed break, and I felt stress-free, more human and part of society.

The break was important for me to find myself again and remember that I need to make more time for myself.

My break at Arrochar Hotel was incredibly important to me because it allowed me to step away from daily stress and enjoy some peace and quiet. The stunning views of the Loch and the surrounding mountains made a huge difference, helping me clear my head and truly relax. I’d like to say a big thank you to the hotel staff for their hospitality – the atmosphere was lovely and made my stay very enjoyable.

My life is very difficult with multiple children having disabilities, and being very unwell myself, we needed this break so much. The lovely Scottish scenery, calmness, peace and quiet were everything I didn't even know I needed. I can't thank you enough - to feel like life is too much, and then have a couple of days to rest in natural beauty, thank you so much.

It was wonderful to be able to switch off, knowing someone else was keeping my parents safe, and that I didn’t have to check on them or spend face-to-face time with them. It gave my husband and me precious time for ourselves. We are so grateful for Carefree Breaks being there for carers and genuinely wanting to support us.

I had the BEST time. I booked to coincide with my birthday. It was so lovely to be alone as I do not often get that opportunity. I got to wake up naturally the next morning, have breakfast and a cup of tea AND finish it! The break was truly needed. Just one day but I came back feeling relaxed and ready to take on the world!

It gave my wife and me some much-needed time to ourselves to recharge our batteries and simply relax. The hotel was brilliant — the rooms were very clean and the staff were fantastic and couldn’t do enough for us. They made us feel relaxed and truly welcome. The meals were stunning, and the staff were funny, friendly, and engaging, which made the experience even better. If I can manage to get back there again, I would love to take my grandson, who we look after, I think he would absolutely love it. Please keep up the amazing work that you all do. We would like to thank you all for providing this service. I feel much better and more able to knuckle down and get on with our lives again. We really needed that time away...it truly did the trick. Thanks again.

It was a wonderful break and much appreciated. The staff were lovely and couldn’t do enough for us. It made me feel free from my caring role and able to focus on me for a change.

Lovely staff, very helpful. Made my stay so relaxed 🤩

North West Castle was an absolutely beautiful experience. The staff were lovely and looked after us extremely. The whole booking experience, etc., with Carefree was extremely simple. I was able to get away from my everyday activities with a beautiful, non-judgmental break.

The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful. They made me feel welcome and my custom appreciated. The room was clean and tidy, exactly what we needed. The food was of very good value and tasty

The breaks are very important to me and my husband who supports me in my caring role, they are much needed. The hotel was lovely, an amazing location, but most of all the staff were wonderful, very helpful, friendly and professional.

Having this break came at a time when I had been feeling very "full" and weighed down, and emotionally and mentally exhausted. Just being in a different space and not having a list of things to tick off was so refreshing. It actually helped me to switch off, be myself and focus on my simple needs. This made me realise the importance of making the time and space (even if it's going for a walk) to separate myself from my caring responsibilities, which is an important part of my self-care. Thank you so much

Hotel staff were very welcoming and helpful, reception staff went above and beyond to make sure we were well stocked with refreshments in our hotel room. The breakfasts were perfect. We enjoyed exploring the area to a nearby waterfall and lochs. Thank you to all the staff at the hotel and to carefree for a relaxing break.

My break was important to me as it makes me feel a little more human and not just needed all the time. I value these breaks enormously. The hotel was amazing and the staff couldn't do enough for you.

It was lovely, even if the freezing cold snow. A beautiful castle! What more could you want? The staff were very welcoming too.

This was a tremendous opportunity to escape the chaos of our current situation at home. Having the time to set my own timetable, rest, and be spoilt with good food and kindness was just lovely. The food was nutritious, and the facilities were wonderful.

This break was so greatly appreciated. The past year has had many challenges, which meant I haven’t had much spare time to focus on being me. The two-day break gave me the opportunity to relax. The hotel I stayed at was good, the room was clean, and the bed was comfortable. Having breakfast included and cooked for me on both mornings was a rare treat, and the standard of the food was excellent. Thank you.

I was delighted when I checked the portal to discover a hotel I have visited before and enjoyed. Finding availability after Christmas allowed me to have some good quality time from my daughter without the stress or responsibility for caring for my partner. Getting someone else to cook for me was wonderful. A huge surprise - I expected to pay for breakfast but it was covered in the package! Taking away the guilt of spending money on ourselves.

My husband and I were able to spend some much-needed time alone in beautiful surroundings. This time was spent nurturing our relationship and connecting, which can be hard to do with a special needs kiddo in the mix. A huge thank you for making this possible!

It was important to me just to have a little time with my own thoughts and to think of myself for a day or two. I came back a little more ready to deal with everyday life and a little more rested. I want to say a massive thank you to the hotel — all the staff were very nice, the food was amazing, and it was just a lovely place to be.

I have gained confidence in myself. The thought of leaving, even for a day trip — let alone for 2 nights away — was a big no-no. But I had a big talk with myself, with a lot of help from special friends, put my big girl pants on and did it. And I’m so glad I did. The world didn’t end! They survived without me! I feel amazing — lighter somehow — and ready to face whatever challenge comes next. And I know I need more me time, and I now know it can be done. I’m looking forward to getting to know myself again. I’m not just the ADHD/autism mum or the wife of a man who had a stroke — there is much more, I’ve just got to find her! Thank you for giving me the opportunity and the strength to show myself that they are okay without me, so I can be me. xx

I was emotionally and physically exhausted, especially as my son had been unable to attend school in the last couple of weeks before the school holidays. I was sleeping poorly as he is awake in the night and I was feeling isolated and alone. I was so focused on anticipating and meeting my son's needs I completely neglected to look after myself properly. I appreciated that I had the break to look forward to! I enjoy driving in Scotland, and I have previously camped in Oban with my son but we're not able to sightsee or meander round the town. So it was a lovely opportunity to relax and wander round and do some Christmas shopping. I took myself out for a Christmas lunch at a local restaurant. I also went to a local pub in the evening for a pint and to enjoy the ambience; being amongst other people was lovely. I took along my Open University materials that I'd been struggling to make time for and really enjoyed learning and being able to focus on my assignment (I passed by the way!) I worked on my crochet project that I've been continuously forgetting about, and I watched an entire film while enjoying a picnic from the snacks I treated myself to from the local Tesco. It was so relaxing and lovely to feel free to make my own choices, not to have to cook or do housework, have a long uninterrupted shower, and spend my time doing the things that made me happy. I so appreciate that the Oban Great Western Hotel and Carefree offered this opportunity as I returned home refreshed and happier, and a better carer for it!

Absolutely enjoyed ME TIME. The feeling of freedom was so rewarding. Helped me relax. Good quality sleep

Had a lovely, relaxing break. Breakfast was also included in our stay, so that was a bonus. Thank you very much for our 2-night stay; we are forever grateful to have had the respite we needed so much 🫶

I’m a single parent, work part time and I’m a full time carer for my son who has Cerebral Palsy. Two members of our family are currently dealing with cancer and this has had a huge effect on my son. It’s been difficult trying to juggle life and trying to emotionally support my son, who finds life difficult at the best of times. Carefree enables me to take that weight off my shoulders for a night or two and just be myself. To take a breath and regain some strength and resilience is vital and Carefree allows me to do that. I’m so grateful to Carefree for the opportunity.

I’ve really needed this break for some time, and to be in such a wonderful place and surroundings was amazing. It’s made me feel more grounded and able to continue caring the way that I do. I now feel more focused and refreshed, especially at this time of year when there’s so much chaos. The Kyle Hotel was such a lovely place. It catered perfectly for my needs, with very friendly staff and an amazing breakfast. Excellent parking, and the room was excellent.

The break was incredibly meaningful for me. Ullapool was peaceful and grounding, and I’m very grateful to the Caledonian Hotel for providing such a comfortable and welcoming stay. The kindness and calm environment made it easy to truly rest and switch off. Having this time away allowed me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with myself after a very demanding period. It made a real difference to my wellbeing, both mentally and emotionally. I’m truly thankful to Carefree for making this possible and for the invaluable support you provide to carers.

The break was fantastic and gave myself and my wife an opportunity to recharge our batteries. The hotel staff were fantastic and made us feel very welcome. Thank you for continuing to provide these opportunities.

The hotel was great and welcoming.The break away made me relax and unwind which was what I needed.

Amazing break ❤️ Thank You

Having this break was fantastic, not having to do our daily routines and just relax makes a huge difference

My confidence has improved due to the break, and I felt so much better when I returned. I felt happier and a better person to deal with the situation at home - thank you, I would not have done this without Carefree

I'm not doing well mentally, at all. So two nights away in Scotland which is one of my favourite places was amazing. It was quite expensive fuel/food wise, but I had a lovely time in the country with my dog and it's felt great to take a breather.

It was nice to get away for a couple of days. The scenery was beautiful and the hotel was welcoming. My room was overlooking the loch with a beautiful waterfall on the other side. It was a refreshing break. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

My break was amazing. It felt like I was somewhere magical. The hotel was lovely and in a great place. The staff were pleasant and friendly and I'd like to say a big thank you 😊

My break was like a breath of fresh air. The hotel & staff were wonderful, it was a much needed break, thank you so much.

It gave me a break that I needed away from everything as Patrick doesn't get education, he’s with me 24/7 which doesn't bother me, but was good to get a break.

Absolutely amazing break. Hotel was wonderful, staff were very helpful, friendly and warm.

If you care for somebody 24/7 (as I do), it’s essential to take a break to recharge your batteries and get your life back into perspective. I certainly felt better restarting my caring duties after a couple of nights away, courtesy of Carefree. What a wonderful “gift” to offer unpaid carers! Thank you. The George Hotel in Chollerford is set in beautiful grounds right by the North Tyne River. It has relaxing lounges with log-burning stoves and is ideal for winding down. The staff are fantastic — friendly and efficient — and my husband and I felt at home chatting to them and getting to know them a little. A great place to stay.

I felt so valued as a carer as I have never take a break from caring for my cared person and this really made me feel seen too. Thank you to everyone who organised this.

Had an amazing time the hotel was lovely the staff were really friendly and the food was great, we managed to watch a Christmas procession through the streets of Llandudno. We managed to have the much needed rest in the hotel as me and my husband never get time to spend together as we are always caring to brought us together. Would like to say a massive thank you to all at the Marine Hotel for making our stay so great the staff were so friendly, the food was amazing and the rooms were lovely and clean. We also had a great view of the seafront. What more could you want, as a carer life is difficult and it has made such a difference to both me and my husband to have some time together and manage to relax it was just what we needed to help us cope with the year ahead. Thank you so much to you all, we really appreciate that someone is looking after us.

The break was so important to me because I hadn't had a break in a long time and I really needed it. I am so grateful I had this opportunity to have this break. The hotel was amazing — I really loved it, and so was the service.

This break allowed me to prioritise my needs without the responsibility of my caring duties. A short break and a good night’s sleep make a huge difference in my ability to care. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.

Both my husband and I have mothers with advanced Alzheimer’s and siblings with severe mental health issues who also demand our care and attention. It’s easy to spend our time at home dissociating from our stresses using screens, which leads to a disconnect from each other when we most need to be connected. Our break enabled us to give each other quality time, talk, and reconnect in a calm, comfortable, neutral space. That was priceless, as we’ve come back better able to support each other in our roles.

I was physically and mentally exhausted — caring for my family is a 24-hour role. My husband and two daughters are severely autistic, my youngest daughter has had recent heart surgery, and my oldest daughter has very challenging physical health issues at the present time. I cannot put into words the help this break has made to me, and to my family who I care for, on my return home. Thank you so very much to yourselves and the kind business owners who support this brilliant initiative xxxx

It was very important for us both to get away for a break and change of scene in lovely surroundings

It gave me time to breathe and just look after my needs, which is very difficult to do with my caring duties.

I have been really happy with my break away, the hotel was great the staff were wonderful. I feel a bit better after the break, it's most appreciated, thanks.

We really appreciate the carefree breaks. Life’s been stressful with not only caring for my 27 year old disabled daughter, but also elderly parents . Having the 2 nights away allows us to spend some quality time on our own as a couple and do normal everyday things together . Thank you so much

I find I get stuck in survival mode and don't have time to have a true break. My mood gets low and I feel overwhelmed. When I take my annual carefree break I am able to spend a whole day from morning to night, completely thinking of only myself. I get to do what I want, when I want without taking care of anyone else. I get time to cry which I don't normally have time for. That sounds negative but it's really helpful to release those emotions. It feels so helpful to focus on myself!!

Thank you so much for this break. I find it so helpful to have something to look forward to. And to reconnect with my husband is so important.

Carefree has made a huge difference in my life. I was living Groundhog Day for months, and was exhausted and overwhelmed. Since my break I feel like I have a new lease or life, I feel energised, inspired, and like my world has opened up. I’m truly grateful for Carefree, and the hotels who partner with Carefree. The service provided is lifeline for carers like me who often go under appreciated and are often neglected by society. Thank you so much.

I look after several family members & have just began a new relationship. This allowed us to have some time together without me rushing around after everyone else. It was so refreshing! The hotel was absolutely stunning! We stayed at the Glenburn hotel on the Isle of Bute. The gentleman who received us was amazing throughout our stay & the gentleman bar attendant was so lovely & very helpful. I would definitely recommend the hotel & the island itself. Thank you so much for this opportunity ❤️

Carefree breaks are the highlight of my year. 2 nights that I have complete autonomy over my own body and decisions. I can eat, sleep, wake, do what I want and not being on call for even a short space of time makes all the difference to maintaining my mental health.

My break at the Glenburn Hotel was incredibly important to me, as it gave me the chance to rest, recharge and have some much-needed time away from my daily caring responsibilities. The hotel itself was beautiful, with a charming building full of character, and the views were absolutely stunning, especially looking out across the water. The peaceful setting made a real difference to my wellbeing. I’m very grateful for the warm hospitality and would happily return again.

It was important, as I never usually have an overnight break away from the person I care for. It makes a massive difference having a break away, as I look forward to the break when it is booked, and it is so relaxing not having to be in constant demand to the person that I care for. I felt refreshed after my 2-night break. Thank you to the Lugger Hotel, who made me feel very welcome and appreciated as a carer.

I had a wonderful time at the Carnoustie Golf & Spa Hotel. It was a much needed break!! The hotel and staff were amazing!! Amy on reception was lovely and friendly. Luxury room with comfortable beds. I would recommend this hotel. Fantastic!!

Thank you very much for your support, I really needed this break because I was very tired from the daily care of my disabled son.

I can't thank Carefree enough for providing this excellent service to enable me to get a break from my caring responsibilities. It was so lovely as well to have quality time with my friend. We made good use of the pool and spa area as well as treating ourselves to a treatment. Thank you Carefree and The Mill Hotel in Chester.

It's very important for myself and my husband to get away on our own. Without Carefree I don't think we would have much chance ,its still very hard to get someone to care for our son but as its only once a year we manage. A big thanks to Carefree and the hotels that offer the service. This is our 3rd time away and they've all been wonderful.

Good to get away before these breaks it was seven years I was last anywhere.

This break really gave me a chance to connect with my husband and work on our relationship. When we are at home we are caught up in the needs of the children and the household and our jobs and we don't have much time for each other. We are too exhausted at the end of the day. This was a chance to rest and relax and spend quality time together. Thank you so much.

The break enabled myself and my husband to have time together, just the two of us. It gave us a break from caring for our son . It gave us some normality for a short period. The hotel setting was lovely and we would love to stay there again.