Wall of Love

This break was very important to me because it gave me the chance to relax, take some time for myself, and enjoy a positive experience that I really needed. I really enjoyed my stay and it made a big difference to me. I am very grateful for giving me this opportunity and to the hotel for their kindness and hospitality. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming, and I felt very well looked after. Thank you so much for making this break possible. It was a lovely experience that I will remember and appreciate.

I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I was tired and ready to give up on my cared-for person, but that one night away from each other brought us closer as we missed each other so much. The hotel was perfect, the facilities were outstanding, and the staff were all friendly. I will definitely be booking another night away at this hotel, as I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything that life throws at me.

Thanks to the wonderful charity Carefree, my wife and I recently enjoyed a fantastic two-night break at the Village Hotel Manchester Ashton. Carefree is an incredible organisation that provides unpaid carers with much-needed short breaks, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity. Due to health reasons, we had to postpone our stay for some time, but it was certainly worth the wait. We were treated to a two-night stay, including breakfast, and from start to finish, the experience was exceptional. The hotel itself was outstanding. Our room was beautifully presented, spacious, comfortable, and felt wonderfully luxurious. As both my wife and I are disabled, having the opportunity to relax in such a welcoming and comfortable environment meant a great deal to us. The staff were absolutely superb—friendly, professional, and always willing to help. They truly made us feel valued and welcome throughout our stay. The location could not have been better. Directly opposite the hotel is a fantastic leisure and retail complex, with plenty to do and see. During our stay, we enjoyed a lovely meal at Nando’s and watched a film at the cinema, which made our short break even more special. It was a truly memorable getaway - relaxing, enjoyable, and exactly what we needed. We cannot thank Carefree enough for making this possible. Their support for carers is invaluable, and we are already looking forward to booking another break in the future. Highly recommended.

This break is so important to me because it is the first time my husband and I have spent quality time together without the person we care for. It made me feel more connected and relaxed. I would like to say a massive thank you to Carefree and to Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel—we are so grateful. Thank you.

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.

It felt great to meet the friendly staff at the hotel. There were lots of things to do, e.g. jacuzzi, swimming, and gym. The room was airy, clean, and peaceful. I felt wanted and refreshed. The change of environment was well needed. Coming out of my constant daily routine made me feel important. I had the chance to go shopping and relax. I feel recharged and happier. Thank you to all the amazing staff at the hotel. You made me feel like a new person. Your hotel was welcoming and friendly. Thank you for having me.

My daughter and I had a lovely time at the hotel—some much-needed daddy-daughter time. We stayed at the Village Hotel Hyde and had a wonderful stay. The room was clean, comfortable, and lovely. The food was amazing, and the staff were very helpful and polite. I’d like to thank all the staff for making us feel so welcome, and a special thank you to Carefree for making this possible.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the hotel staff for their exceptional service and warm hospitality during my stay. Your efforts made my experience truly memorable and comfortable. I am also sincerely thankful to the African and Caribbean Care Group for generously covering my fee. Your support has been invaluable and deeply appreciated. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the Carefree charity for facilitating this wonderful break. Your kindness and dedication have made a significant positive impact on my well-being. Thank you all for your generosity and care.

I was at breaking point. The 2 nights away were just what I needed to recharge and push on.

It was so lovely and freeing to be able to have a hot shower, fluffy bath towels and nice bedding, and I was able to sleep and have peace of mind. I didn't have to worry or put anyone's needs before my own for some time, and it felt wonderful.

Thank you Forest Pines Hotel for hosting the opportunity for me to take some time out! My break was important for me because I needed to be alone. It gave me the opportunity to switch off and leave all my problems behind for a short while. I slept soundly on a bed on my terms. I wasn't on call. The breakfast was amazing. Someone else cooking for me. Hot shower. Use of a gym. It made a difference because I had the free choice to be myself and chill. Take it easy. I was relaxed. No pressures. No judgement or authority.

This break could not have come at a better time. I had a really difficult time with my cared-for person the night before and was at my wits’ end. That one night away made the world of difference. Not only was I rested when I returned, but my daughter missed me so much and has been an angel since. Thank you so much, Carefree.

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

I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a Carefree break at a wonderful hotel. From the moment I arrived, it felt homely and welcoming, with a warmth that instantly put me at ease. The surroundings were peaceful, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure my comfort throughout the stay. For the first time in a long while, I was able to truly rest and recharge from my caring duties. It was a much-needed experience that left me feeling refreshed and renewed.

I am so grateful for the break away I have just had. I feel recharged and my mood has improved. Thank you for giving me this opportunity which I desperately needed.

Amazing service, I feel more relaxed now, after a couple of days away, the break has made a massive difference for me, just taking time for myself to relax

As a carer that also works full-time it is difficult to look after myself and put myself first. This break was a much needed relaxation and rest. The hotel was amazing from the staff to the facilities.

Because caring can be very draining and demanding of my time and it was great to unwind and relax.

Just a big thank you to everyone envolved❤️

It was a relaxing time for me. Without worrying about waking up in the morning and at night time. Food , cleaning, hygiene everything away from everything. The hotel staff were welcoming. Thank you very much for having a lovely relaxing opportunity.

Thank you so much for my break, I really enjoyed it. It was very relaxing, the food was lovely, and the staff were lovely. I really needed a break away from day-to-day stress. I know it was only a short break but really made a difference. Thank you!

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to have a break away. It was important as I needed to get away and think about myself for once. I was able to spend quality time with my husband, whom I sometimes feel I neglect. I have recharged my batteries and feel more energized. The staff at the hotel were fantastic, very accommodating, and gave us some great advice on places to visit while we were there. We will definitely go back again.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity. The hotel provided excellent service and I had the chance to just enjoy myself with my old school friend. I felt relaxed and refreshed when I got back so gave me the energy to start reacting again. Thank you so much

Thank you so much for giving me this chance of getting a wonderful break. I really had a lovely rest and the change of environment did me good Thanks a lot!

Thank you so much to the whole team who made taking a break possible. You can lose your identity until you stop to take a break. I enjoyed my stay at The Mill Hotel and Spa in Chester, all staff were friendly and the breakfast was a real treat. I feel refreshed now that I’ve had a chance to be myself. Thank you so very much.

After the break, I feel very relaxed. It makes a difference when your mind is refreshed. If you feel good, you can do your job more effectively. Thank you.

The break was much needed as I care for my husband, along with my parents. Having time to myself and only having to think about myself was priceless! To top it off, the staff at the hotel went above and beyond to ensure my stay was perfect. I am truly, truly grateful for this opportunity via Carefree. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I enjoyed being able to relax in a lovely hotel - good spa!

My spouse and I are not together, but we were able to discuss our reasons for separating. The break allowed us to speak openly and understand one another without passing judgement, which is something we could not have done if we hadn't taken a break. As a result, the conversation went better than I had anticipated. We couldn't believe how fortunate we were to enter the suite because the hotel was so beautiful. We could not have afforded the standard without the break. After the vacation, I returned to my life with a level of confidence I had never had before due to the respect from staff at the hotel and the service from Carefree.

I enjoyed relaxing and not feeling under pressure.