Wall of Love

This break was really needed this time - after a challenging summer where I had no respite, I really needed a night away, and I got 2 in London, where I had a fantastic time! I really appreciate this service largely because it makes getting away affordable and guilt-free. Spending £200+ on a hotel room otherwise just feels too much, and that's just the start of the costs. London just immerses me in a different world and offers lots of escapism and distractions. Thank you so much

Just back yesterday from a restorative two nights at Tavistock Hotel, London, with wonderfully polite staff - without exception! Everyone made me feel most welcome as a solo guest, for which I was most grateful, thank you! I left a bag of sweets to share at reception when I checked out as a small token of my appreciation. I'm remembering the local places I enjoyed visiting and would love to return next year if possible. On my return journey home, my mother was admitted to hospital, so I was very quickly back to my caring role; although I felt far more able to deal with the situation after my wonderful Carefree break. Thank you SO much.

Having time out helped me have a break from all the strain and pressure. Having to care for two people, one with autism and an elderly mum, is very challenging and exhausting. This break helped me switch off, relax and wander around the British Museum, eat some nice food and forget about everything for a short period of time. Very much needed as I was reaching burnout.

I can’t put into words how wonderful my 2-night break at The President Hotel was. Before this, I was so stressed, 7 weeks with 3 children with special needs at home for the summer holidays was tough, to put it mildly, but seeing them happily back into a familiar routine at school made me excited about my upcoming trip. The hotel was amazing, in a really safe area near the tube, breakfast was outstanding and a lovely room. Film 4 at 9 o'clock with a cup of green tea was just bliss! Cannot thank Carefree and The President Hotel enough for a wonderful experience.

Staying at the Tavistock Hotel was lovely. Staff were polite and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Location was excellent close to outdoor spaces, museums and places to visit. It was a thoroughly needed break! Although we did a lot of sightseeing and walking, have felt refreshed, able to reset.

Hotel was wonderful very friendly staff, very good breakfast. The break was important to me because I was nearly at melt down, just a couple of days makes all the difference

Looking after my husband full time is very tedious and not only physically exhausting but also mentally/emotionally. I don't have time to relax and have me time, as it is all about his needs and demands. Going on the break was such a relief, and it helped me to switch off and enjoy the moment. The hotel room was lovely and clean. The staff were nice. The hotel position was most enjoyable because it was close to restaurants, shopping centre, etc.

Having a break allows me to refocus and also has a positive impact on my well-being. Making it possible for me to return with a new feather in my bow, ready to care for my son and attempt other things I may have been delaying.

As an unpaid carer, the break makes me feel that someone out there acknowledges me and cares. I’m so thankful that hotels do this for people. The President Hotel was beautiful and made me feel spoiled. It was lovely having someone cook my breakfast. It was extra special that my sister could come with me. I need the company as my husband doesn’t talk much. My sister also helps me find places and drives me to the accommodation if I’m not going by train.

We stayed at the Tavistock Hotel in London. The staff were wonderful, and the hotel was in a great location — couldn’t fault it. They had a lovely bar/lounge area to relax in. To have this time off from caring duties has done me a power of good. I feel able to carry on. Thank you so much.

This was my third trip, and I loved having a break from everyday worries and stress. It felt wonderful, thank you, it did make me feel valued and seen.

I went to London — I lived there before I became a mum and haven’t visited for years. I love art, architecture, museums… all things cultural. I went alone because I get overwhelmed easily and don’t have anyone I could imagine spending three whole days with. I got to do exactly the things I wanted to do and that I love. I visited Tate Britain and Tate Modern, which took me back to school art trips and reminded me how much wonder and joy art still brings me. I really enjoyed being at the hotel — the buffet breakfast, the squishy bed and pillows, and towels that felt like clouds. Before I went, I worried about being tired from busy days out, but I managed fine on my own. Now that I’m home, I do feel a little lonely, but the break was truly special and restorative.

I had a lovely break in London. The weather was sunny and warmer than at home. I really enjoy the busyness of the city, I even went to see a show! It made me feel like I’ve been part of life again. The hotel was brilliant, the food was amazing, and the staff were so welcoming and kind, they even upgraded our room. I really felt appreciated as an unpaid carer. The room was lovely, clean, and comfortable. So yes, please thank The Tavistock for me. And thank you to everyone at Carefree! ❤️

This break was extremely important to me, as living day to day with my cared-for (who can get violent on many occasions in a meltdown) is hard and trying to meet all his needs without triggering a meltdown too. So having that break refreshes me to start again and give time to relax and get my energy back.

It was great to have some me time and not have to clock watch and constantly be on call. Just freedom to be carefree. The hotel was perfect, and all the staff are super genuinely friendly. Breakfast was amazing. Thank you.

The hotel was lovely - great location, facilities and breakfast and the staff were fabulous. I'm so grateful to Carefree for the break and feel revitalised 😊

The President Hotel’s staff were very welcoming and helpful. The two night stay afforded me the chance to have a break from providing care to my parents, giving me the opportunity to do something for me. I am a keen film fan, so this gave me the chance to visit the South Bank, the BFI IMAX and the Design Museum’s Wes Anderson exhibition. It was an entirely rejuvenating experience and one I’m incredibly grateful to Carefree for facilitating. Thank you!

A heartfelt thank you to the Carefree team and the Tavistock Hotel for a much-needed two-night break. The stay was perfect, and the staff were friendly, welcoming, and made us feel truly comfortable. This time away gave my daughter and me the chance to rest and breathe during a difficult period for our family. We returned home feeling calmer, stronger, and more able to continue. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and support Thank you!

We wouldn't ever be able to afford a hotel in London so this was really special. It meant we could afford to see a show that we really wanted to see. We were upgraded to a king size room with a park view which was absolutely beautiful, I could have sat looking out of the window forever! Breakfast was plentiful and delicious and the staff were excellent. It was a magical break and I felt very spoilt!

This is time to connect with my daughter, who is a young carer. She can sometimes feel ignored as so much goes into caring for her brother. Two days away, just doing things that we both enjoy, gives us time to reconnect and makes her feel valued.

Caring for a person comes with many challenges. This break allowed me to reset mentally and emotionally which in turn allows me to be my best self to care for my loved one. The hotel was also amazing, the staff were very accommodating and friendly throughout my stay.

Thank you so much for the break. I went to london, saw the Christmas lights, gifts etc which were uplifting. It was lovely to have a total break and just concentrate on what I wanted to do. It was a very much needed break for me. The hotel was fantastic, friendly and helpful staff. Thank you to all.

The welcome at the hotel made me feel very welcomed and special, it was great to have breakfast included, I felt very spoilt . Was a world away from the demands on my life. Thank you President Hotel, London

Just having some time to myself was lovely. Free of any demands, I fully relaxed for the first time in ages. It did me the world of good.

I stayed in London for two nights , it was lovely to be me not someone’s care giver . The hotel was good and the room had all I needed . Thank goodness for this break it gave me time to breathe. Thank you so much!

Really enjoyed my break. It’s very stressful caring for people, so this break was really important, especially running up to Christmas. Thanks again.

It was amazing to be able to switch off for a couple of days. I took my break with a friend (who also has a disabled child) and we went to London - to have the freedom to hop on a tube and visit different attractions was incredible, I just don't have the opportunity to do anything like that as a general rule. The hotel was very good, the staff were polite and friendly and our breakfast was included - to be 'looked after' like that was such a luxury, thank you so much!

It gave me a valid reason to be away. I felt valued as a carer as this break was specifically for people in my situation. I was ill while I was on this break but in spite of this it gave me time and space to please myself. It is nice that a business is able to give something to help others and I am very grateful to the Bedford Hotel. Thank you. The hotel, staff and breakfast were just lovely!

I am grateful for arranging this break for me. I am carer for last 15 yrs but never got a chance to have time out. Being in my 50's it’s important for my mental health and wellbeing.

This break made such a positive difference for my mental health and significantly improved my ability to look after the cared person

Please do thank the staff at The Bedford Hotel for such a great 2 day break. I really appreciate it. The staff were friendly and responsive, the room was clean and the breakfast choice was vast! Thank you Carefree too for giving me the opportunity. I care for my disabled son and have just finished years of care for mum by her going into a care home. The break gave me space to consider my next steps, still caring for my son but having some more time for myself. It was so good to be able to visit attractions and not have to have an eye on anyone else. I could concentrate properly and just do what I wanted to do. This was a great break from the daily care routines. Thanks to my husband also not working whilst I was away so he can look after our son. We lost income but I gained headspace. Invaluable.

It was very good to have two days ahead of me where I could do what I had planned, and rest without having to bear other needs in mind. The hotel was great -central, nicely decorated, with a lovely garden and varied breakfast. The staff were attentive and kind, and the room was so cosy and comfortable, with ample space in the bathroom and superb views of the street! A fantastic break which allowed me to recharge and feel more confident.

I just wanted to say a massive Thank You. I had a really good trip to London and a much-needed break. Your charity does an amazing job of helping people who need it at times of great stress. The hotel was perfect and I would definitely return. The staff were very welcoming, polite, and friendly. I left London and feel a lot more refreshed.

As a carer, it’s a full-time job but 24/7, It is difficult to switch off. Having a break and having cover for your cared-for, allows you to have complete respite for a short time. Allowing you to recharge a little. Thank you.

The break gave me confidence that I can take time away from my cared-for friend. I would be more confident taking a break in future. The staff at were lovely and treated me like royalty! I really enjoyed it. The peace and quiet was lovely. I would never have been able to afford a stay in a nice hotel otherwise. The location was great. It gave my friend confidence that she can cope without me for a short while. The breakfast was to die for!

It's great to have a chance to return to London, my home town! I moved to improve my son's environment and became isolated and distant from home. I got to visit my old haunts which is therapeutic for me! A trip down memory lane!

This break allowed me and my mum to spend some quality time away without my children, one of which I care for. We home educate so they are home all the time, which can become a lot! I am so so grateful that something like this is available as we wouldn’t have been able to afford a hotel cost on top of other expenses usually. The hotel was absolutely amaizng, we were treated with so much respect and felt very welcomed, the breakfast which was provided was fantastic. I’ve been recommending carefree to everyone I know who cares for someone!

The break was so important to me as my husband has vascular dementia, which is very challenging. The break was perfect for me. I went to two West End shows, and the hotel was perfect with lovely, friendly staff.

It was important for me to get away for a bit of “me time.” Initially, I was going on my own, but a friend who is also a carer needed a break too, so I said, “Come along.” It’s important to get away, otherwise your mental health will decline. I care for my non-verbal brother and my mum with dementia . I felt Wasim from the check-in desk was amazing - a big thank you to him. He really made our day. The staff were all lovely. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.

The break was just what I needed. As soon as I boarded the train, I felt my shoulders were lighter. The break was unforgettable, and I was able to visit Kensington Palace - always a dream of mine and unreachable without Carefree. The hotel was super friendly and very welcoming. All the staff were amazing; I had the most wonderful time. Thank you, Bedford Hotel – you and your staff are simply fabulous!!

It was great being able to take my 8yo daughter away for her first ever break that wasn't just visiting Nan and Granddad. We had a lovely time staying in central London, in a wonderful hotel. I'll be writing to thank them separately. Carefree are doing a wonderful job and I'm so grateful for the time away from the realities of home life. It really helped me feel re-energised.

Although I am able to take time away for a few hours, this was the first time in a while I've been able to travel further and relax. I was able to meet up with an old friend, whom I haven't met for about 4 years. It felt like getting the old me back for a little bit. The hotel was in a great location and very good. We didn't partake of all the amenities, but the staff were friendly and breakfast was fabulous!

I have been feeling quite depressed and cut off from my feelings. I think having some time away from caring helped me re-connect with myself, and work out what I need to do to be more happy in my life. Hopefully, I will make some changes when I get home so I don't get so burnt out again.

Taking a break was something I truly needed, and I didn’t realize just how important it was until I stepped away. I enjoyed the time to slow down, reset, and reconnect. This time away helped clear my mind, lower my stress, and regain a sense of balance. I enjoyed catching up with friends who I haven’t seen in a very long time. I really enjoyed my break — it was exactly what I needed.

It was lovely to be able to spend time with my husband without the pressure of caring. We would not have been able to do this without carefree as money goes on the person we care for rather than 'me' time

I find it incredible that a charity can offer such wonderful breaks. Mine was in London, which is usually unaffordable. The hotel was excellent-the staff are so friendly and helpful. The location is perfect and the facilities are excellent. Thank you!

We had a lovely time. The hotel was lovely. Modern, clean and comfortable. In a nice area of London. The bar area was very nice to relax in . Wide choice of food for the breakfast. The room we were allocated was very comfortable. Pleaae pass on our thanks to the hotel. We had a very peaceful 2 days away. Spent a whole day at Tower of London and a day wandering around Londons gardens/ parks. It was so nice just to be on our own and to be able to please ourselves rather than other people.

My break was really needed. I feel more relaxed and I have more energy now. Thank you all, Carefree and Tavistock Hotel for making my life easier.

I am beyond grateful to Carefree and the hotel for providing this break for me and my husband. We had time to ourselves, which was well overdu,e and to be able to have a couple of nights away being ourselves instead of carers. Thank you!!

Thank you so much for this break, it was with the same hotel as last time and they were brilliant too. It's great to escape from 'life' for a couple days and doing so in London where there's plenty of distractions and inspiration just really helps refresh the batteries. I work from home and our autistic son only does Nursery two times a week so you can feel trapped sometimes but London is such a great change of scenery. The break is needed and I'm hopeful for one again next year. We can get breaks but it's more a local hotel for a night away but this has allowed me to really escape into city life. I enjoyed a lovely hotel breakfast before enjoying the citys many attractions and having a drink in the evening. Thank you all so much for having this service :)

I feel that it is very essential that every career should have a break at least once a year. I was able to relax and not think about the person I'm caring for. It was a great experience to have and good to know that this is available for carers. I feel more relaxed after having a break and feel quite happy and not as stressed out as I usually am.

The break was amazing! Thank you so much, Royal National Hotel, for providing a much-needed break to us, the unpaid carers.

I wanted to relax and get away from my every day responsibilities as I was exhausted and tired. Carefree allowed me to do that in an expense that I could afford. This break was an eye opener for me as I could realise how badly I needed this.

The break helped me reconnect with what makes me happy and who I am. That is something that is really difficult to keep hold of if you’re juggling caring with full-time work. Even something simple like choosing when to eat for a couple of days felt really empowering.

I had visited the same hotel last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff are very friendly and the breakfast is a good selection. Having this break meant a lot to me as I never put myself first. It has made a huge difference not feeling guilty for taking time off.

Thank you to the Royal National Hotel London. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The breakfast was amazing! It was important to take time away to re charge and chill out. I came back feeling more positive and ready to face the ongoing challenges ahead of me .

We are shattered. We are constantly caring for our daughter. The break was well needed

I was able to spend a quality time with my daughter (sibling of my disabled son).

I went to a place where I used to live to reflect on how far I had come. Since I hadn't been away for a while, I thought I might have forgotten how to travel, but that wasn’t the case—I really enjoyed my break. The hotel was clean and situated in a great location. I would definitely stay there again if I had the chance. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to travel. I’ll be looking forward to my next adventure!

It was lovely to just think about myself for a few days. The hotel staff were lovely, I'm not sure if they knew it was a free break but I wasn't treated any differently to any other guest. It really was so relaxing. Breakfast was even included in my stay. Thank you.

I was feeling bogged down with routine and the caring role for my husband. My London cousins are seriously unwell, and I couldn't see a way of being with them, even for a short time. Being able to say that it was important for me to see them by being able to access a virtually free hotel break made the difference to my husband agreeing that it was a good idea. The hotel receptionist was extremely helpful. The bed was extremely comfortable, and the breakfast really nice.

The break gave me the opportunity to spend quality time with my son who is 15 (he is not my cared for person). We were able to visit London to see all the sights and visit the museums. Without carefree i wouldn’t have taken this trip. I am very grateful.

I care for my daughter her twin sister also has alot of responsibilities for her age. Myself and my daughter were able to travel to London while my husband stayed at home with my daughter. We would not have been able to afford to go if it weren't for the hotel. It has given us both a real boost in energy and some much needed time together. We had an amazing time, the hotel staff were lovely. We would definitely do this again.

I had two nights in central London. Despite being a city break, I choose to visit favourite places and do everything at my own pace. I found this relaxing. The Bedford hotel is a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. I particularly enjoyed a hot bath!

Thank you for the opportunity to have a break from being a carer. It was wonderful to have some free time to myself, knowing that the person I look after was safe and well. The Tavistock Hotel in London is lovely, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. I had the best night's sleep I've had in years in the comfortable beds. It was a lovely, relaxing break away from the responsibilities of my home life. I really appreciate Carefree as a charity and the kindness of hotels like the Tavistock Hotel, who give up their rooms to allow people like myself a well-earned break from being a carer for free, which otherwise we may not be able to afford due to being unpaid to look after our loved ones.

Carefree break gave me quality time for myself. I enjoyed the company of friends and had stress-free days where I did not have to worry about the routine for my son and daily chores. It gave me the confidence to do things. The break really charged me up, and I came home fully confident and not guilty. My son and husband were happy and glad to see me back. This made me feel so important and special, too. The hotel staff were very kind and helpful too.

This break gave me "me time". I could get up feeling relaxed, not worrying about the daily chores and care plans for my son, and quality time for myself. The break made me feel myself again and how important it is to enjoy others' company and not worry about rushing home. The break made me realise I too have a life that can be fun-filled and joyous. I came home full of energy and happy feeling but definitely missed my boy. The hotel staff were very accommodating and helpful, especially Rahul. Thank you.

My son, who I care for, is very demanding, and it can be incredibly challenging to manage his behavior. Under normal circumstances, I never have any time to call my own, as he refuses to go to respite accommodation. My trip to London for two days was the first break I’ve had away from him in years. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to Carefree and the hotel for giving me the opportunity to have some time for myself. The hotel was in a fantastic location, making it easy to get to places. The staff were incredibly lovely and helpful, and my room was spotless and very comfortable. I want to sincerely thank the hotel for their kindness and excellent service. I would absolutely love to stay there again.

I was able to see a great friend and several members of my family over the one night break. I was quite relaxed as I wasn’t too far from home and could have got back quickly if needed. I had some nice meals out, good chats, and was able to go to a couple of galleries, something I haven’t done in years. The hotel was really nice, clean and tidy and the staff friendly, and there was enough breakfast to keep you going through the day if you wanted that. It was really nice. Thank you!

We had a lovely break. It was great being so central in London. The hotel was very clean and comfortable and the staff were very friendly. Thank you Tavistock Hotel for such a great stay.

I got to spend quality time with my mother. Usually we don’t get much time to have a conversation because of caring responsibilities. It helped my child with complex needs to feel more able to cope and increase their confidence.

I was a little worried about going at first leaving my husband, but our neighbour and friends were there for him checking in on him and helping with his needs. And I must say the hotel was lovely and room was spotless. All the staff were very friendly and polite which helped with my break

Thank you. The break really meant a lot to me, it felt like what I go through as a carer was recognised. The break forces you to prioritise yourself - thank you so much

It meant I could afford to take a break away as I couldn't have otherwise. The hotel staff were so lovely and it was brilliant to be able to enjoy the included breakfast without worrying about anyone else.

This break was really important to me as it allowed me to spend time away from my partner (who I care for) and time out of my caring role where I could relax and just think about myself. I chose to take my Grandad with me on this break who I don’t get to see much anymore and I feel like this break was really good for our relationship to spend some quality time together. I am very grateful for this experience and I would love to go on another break again.

Opportunity was very much appreciated, giving time to do things we'd not be able to have done without it.

This was a lovely break to London during which I saw many sites and 2 shows. The President Hotel was a great, nice room, great location, friendly staff, and the breakfast was lovely. So a big thank you to The President Hotel.

It was so lovely/ important to have time away. I feel valued and cared for. The staff were amazing from receptionist Amanda especially/ breakfast staff and cleaning staff were all exceptional. Please thank them for me. Xx

It was nice to be away and not have any responsibility, other than to myself. Lovely hotel, lovely breakfast in central London. No way I could afford this otherwise.

It was so nice to have a bit of me time and plan a few visits to some museums that would have been impossible to do with the person I care for. I also, returned with more self-confidence having had the time away on my own.

My break gave me time in London, a city I love. I made myself the priority, I ate at places and times I wanted, other than that which my child dictates. I can't wait for my next break!

I would not have been able to afford a break in London without your help, due to being a full-time unpaid parent carer. Please continue to do what you do, and never underestimate the positive impact this service can have on carer mental health. Thank you.

The break away meant I could spend some time with my daughter in the hustle and bustle of a city. The person I care for is autistic and can’t cope with noise, so it made a change to do shopping and busy London streets! It was wonderful, everyone was so polite and kind and we had a fabulous complimentary breakfast both mornings. I can’t thank you all enough for a much-needed break with my daughter. I’ve come back refreshed and relaxed.

I am extremely grateful to have been a part of this service offered to help carers. Honestly, I have neglected myself physically and emotionally. However, this short stay helped me to believe in myself and showed me how important it is to take time away. Self-reflection is needed. The Bedford Hotel was an amazing experience. I have never stayed anywhere alone so this trip was an eye-opener. It made me realise that I shouldn't feel guilty for taking a short break. The location was excellent and the customer service was fantastic. I felt very safe. The relationship between the person I care for and myself has improved more than I expected. Thank you for offering a service like this, which is there to help others like myself. I thank the hotel staff especially Siobhan (receptionist) and Shihab (waiter) who were very helpful.

I care for my mum full-time. I went on this break with my daughter. It is very unlikely we would have had a break and thus this special time together without the Carefree service. We both loved our time together. The hotel was in a very convenient location, staff were friendly and the included breakfast was a real treat. Thank you for enabling us to do this xx

This break was important to me because it's hard to find the money for a hotel stay while being on carers allowance.

I booked 2 nights break at London with my daughter. It is a precious moment for two of us. We can take a break from caring my son. I only need to focus on her without being interrupted by my son. We visited many places in London. The experience is very different from when we are visiting with my son. We are more relaxed and cheered.

My carefree stay was part of a 4-night stay that enabled me to attend a 4-day singing course. It was amazing!! I feel more relaxed than I have done for years and feel like I've got some strength back. The hotel was fab ....right in the centre of London but with quiet rooms. Spotlessly clean, spacious, great bathroom, and with a fantastic breakfast.

It was really nice and refreshing to have a short break from daily caring. I took our daughter with me, who is a young carer to her brother as well. We really had an amazing time together, also we could catch up as friends because we were so relaxed. It was so great to see London attractions and the hotel was amazing. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. Thank you to everyone who made our break happen❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much, both to Carefree and The President Hotel. I took a friend with me on my break (who is also a carer) and it was fantastic to be able to take time out and visit places of interest that I am usually just unable to do. My first time out of the house overnight for over 5 years and it felt amazing to have that freedom that others take for granted! The break has definitely given me a lift. Our daughter is currently transitioning to adult services and it’s given me the boost I needed to tackle the next phase of her transition. The staff at the hotel were very polite and friendly and offered us a quiet room when they noticed we were with Carefree which was a nice touch.

Thank you so much for this break. We spent time wandering around London and just making time for ourselves. The hotel and the breakfast were superb - would highly recommend it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ☺️

It felt amazing to have a real break thank you to Carefree and to the President Hotel. It is hard to convey what a huge positive difference it has made on so many levels. First, knowing it was booked helped me get through a challenging summer with lots of complex health problems. Carefree and the President Hotel made it possible for me to visit London, see the sights, and spend time relaxing with a friend. The care I give is through the night as well as day, so this gave me a chance to catch up with sleep. It also gave the person I care for a chance to spend quality time with another family member and increase their confidence and independence. This has been really beneficial for the whole family.

The break was so needed, I felt so guilty leaving but my son was fine. Just relaxing in the hotel and having a cooked breakfast was something I haven’t been able to do in a very long time. I am so thankful to you.

I did things I never have time to do. I was able to think of myself for once, as I've always put others first. The hotel was great—the food, the quietness, and the room. Had to wait a while at reception, but other than that, all good. Thanks so much!

It was so good to just be away and not have to think of EVERYTHING…. Just for a change. Thank you!

My break away was like a breath of fresh air. I feel recharged to carry on my caring role. Without this help from Carefree and the hotel, I would not be able to afford a much-needed break at all. The Royal National Hotel in London was absolutely marvellous, and I am so thankful to them too!

This is such a great thing that is done for carers. I would never have been able to do this if it wasn’t for this initiative.

I had a lovely relaxing time away with a friend and enjoyed a couple of theatre shows and some lovely meals. It’s given me some ''me time'' and I was able to recharge my batteries.

I stayed at the Bedford Hotel in London and spent my three days very full of galleries, museums and theatre. I had a wonderful time. The hotel was superb!

I had a lovely time at the Bedford Hotel in Russell Square, London. It was easy to get to, the staff were really friendly, and the breakfast room/lounge areas were first class. I nearly had a break a couple of times before, but they had to be cancelled, so it was brilliant being able to just get away and relax. Thank you!

This was a much-needed break for me and my husband to be able to spend some quality time together. We went to a concert in London, and the hotel stay made it so much easier to do. When we have breaks before, we take the dog, so we are limited in what activities we can do.

The break was so important for me to understand that there are times when I need to stop. It made a big difference to my energy levels. I would like to say thank you to the Bedford Hotel staff, who were very welcoming and ensured a nice, comfortable stay. I would like to go again.

It was a much-needed break and much-needed time for myself. The hotel was lovely, as were the staff. The included breakfast was delicious.

A well-needed break was very good for my mental health. It was a great experience as the hotel was excellent and the staff were amazing. Thank you, Carefree, for making my trip possible.

A breather is so needed in difficult situations, just to give yourself time to recover and recuperate from constantly fighting battles.

Although I manage to get away with my cared-for son, I don't get the chance to get away in a hotel, especially London. The hotel in London was brilliant, easily accessible for getting around and the service and hospitality was exceptional.

This break recharged my batteries. I had time for myself. I could focus on what I really wanted to do and I felt great about everything I had accomplished. It definitely made me feel valued. And having a lovely breakfast, ready for you to enjoy, is priceless!

Doing things for myself made me happy. My frustration melted away. I am so grateful to Carefree, as I would not of been able to have a break without them. My 2 nights were great! And an added bonus of breakfast too!! This was my first break and hopefully, fingers crossed I can apply and get accepted next year, to go back to London. Thank you so much, with all my heart.

I enjoyed the time in the morning when I woke up and had a cup of tea in bed then not having to rush to give care. I was able to forward plan activities that I like to do which was visit the British museum, go to the cinema, have afternoon Tea in a Hotel and see Abba Voyage. Busy schedule but felt like it was an opportunity of a lifetime. My mental health and well being totally felt great. I am very grateful to Carefree for organising this service. Your communication to let carers know of the free break opportunities is fantastic. I feel so lucky to have experienced a fabulous break. 😊🥳

I took my 11 year old daughter with me. Our time together is often compromised due to the full time caring role that I have for my 16 year old son (who hasn't been able to attend school for the past 2.5 years). It was so nice to have that 1-1 quality time with her doing fun new things and for me to fully get a break from my caring role. I feel that I have came back recharged, helping me to continue my caring role.

Everything was perfect with no problems. My room was upgraded to a view of tavistock square and from my bed I could see the moon through the trees. It was warm enough to have the window open. Breakfast was served at anytime, plentiful and delicious. I went to free exhibitions and the zoo, walked miles in the fresh air. Nothing to worry about, no boring chores to do. I loved it and could positively feel becoming myself again. I am so grateful, it was wonderful. Carefree are worth their weight in gold.

I enjoyed not having to be on alert all night, and not having to get up super early, and being able to do what I want without people complaining that they're bored/want to do something else/they hurt, etc, etc. I came back feeling rested. The person who took over my caring responsibilities got a rude awakening to how hard I work, as did other family members who helped, and as a result I feel like they have slightly more respect for me. The people I care for missed me, and appreciated all the things I do that the others might not have thought to do, and that makes me feel very appreciated. Having one of the people tell me they miss me and want me to come home, was lovely to hear. Heartbreaking, but lovely as it felt like I was important and loved, which I don't always feel. The whole process was easy to do, and I am very grateful that I was able to have a break, thanks to you guys.

Thank you for caring for the carers, we often lose sight of our own needs and often need to be encouraging to take time for ourselves. I haven't heard of any other services that provides this type of service to its members that are Carers, thank you and your participating hotels for their commitment too. This break really did mean a lot to help me not to forget that I am worthy of care and attention too.

I am so grateful to Carefree for helping me catch my breath for two days. It was much needed!

I'm so grateful for your support, having my own time and space.

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to have a two night break. The hotel was nice and clean. All the staff were very kind and helpful. Breakfast was delicious. I loved every moment of it. Thank you!

I enjoyed uninterrupted sleep, and freedom to have fun, doing things I like, such as visiting an art gallery. Also the hotel was very welcoming and did not patronise me.

I would like to thank you, I had a great mental break!!

It was a great break and without it being on offer I wouldn't have had two days to myself. Thank you very much Carefree.