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Wall of Love

Read heartfelt stories from unpaid carers who found comfort and support following their break.

Lyn avatar
Lyn
I was really exhausted before I took the break, I went with my husband, and it helped us both. I feel less tired, which makes it easier to care for my mum. This is my third break over the past few years, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have these breaks, thank you so much. The hotel was really good, comfy beds, clean, breakfast was good, and all the staff are very attentive and friendly.
Jun 22, 2026
Shazia avatar
Shazia
The break was absolutely amazing with a friend. It was quality time away from my caring duties and gave me a chance to refresh and recharge. The hotel was in a great location to explore the area, and the breakfast was varied and of a high standard. Overall, it was well worth the travel and provided a wonderfully relaxing break away.
Jun 11, 2026
Fatima avatar
Fatima
My Carefree break was one night on Bank Holiday Monday. What a difference a day makes. The weather was glorious and the hotel was stunning, with its immaculate gardens and golf course. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful, and professional at all times. The facilities on offer included the use of the swimming pool, jacuzzi, and spa, which helped us unwind, relax, and have a well-deserved break from our caring roles. I came back feeling refreshed and energised after a wonderful stay in a relaxing atmosphere. Time to think, reassess life, and be alone with your thoughts without distractions and interruptions from daily life. Lots of greenery and quiet places. A huge thank you to Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort for an amazing stay. The staff are so courteous, friendly, and helpful, making guests feel welcome. The facilities are perfect to relax, unwind, and enjoy the great surroundings. 😃
May 27, 2026
Peter avatar
Peter
It was a welcome break with some time to relax and wind down a bit. The change of area was lovely, and the care we received from the hotel was amazing. It really does you good to have this break to look forward to. Thank you very much.
May 15, 2026
Sarwat avatar
Sarwat
The break was important for me to find myself again and remember that I need to make more time for myself.
Feb 10, 2026
Lorna avatar
Lorna
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.
Nov 24, 2025
Joanne avatar
Joanne
A break away is sooo relaxing for us as it’s probably the only time we have peace & quiet. Our house is very busy with support staff. It means we can recharge our batteries! xx
Nov 17, 2025
Lyn avatar
Lyn
I felt so tired and stressed before I went. The break helped me to think about nothing but myself and my husband. We had a little problem when we arrived at the hotel, but the staff were all so understanding, sorted everything out, and nothing was too much trouble. All the staff were amazing. Thanks to Carefree, I was able to switch off from my caring role and recharge. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you so much.
Nov 10, 2025
Elizabeth avatar
Elizabeth
The staff at the Ennerdale hotel really made our break special, & nothing was too much trouble for them. Thank you so much.
Nov 6, 2025
Jannat avatar
Jannat
Had an amazing break which came at just the time I needed to after loosing my dad. Everything was perfect the hotel was amazing and location to getting about to see everything… thankyou so much x
Jun 12, 2025
Tracy avatar
Tracy
I only had to think about myself for two days. It was so liberating.
Feb 27, 2025
James avatar
James
I care for my wife, and two autistic and home-educated children, and have never in the last 13 years been apart. This break allowed me complete and total unwind and selfishness time. I have felt so much more positive about continuing my role as a carer since my return. It has changed my mindset, allowing me to believe that I can access personal self-care without the whole world collapsing if I do. Thank you! The stay at Oulton Hall in Leeds was amazing. I was so impressed with the venue and especially all the staff that I met and talked with. A truly unforgettable experience!
Feb 25, 2025
Beverley avatar
Beverley
I really value the opportunity to take this break and all the staff were wonderful and I was treated with dignity and respect throughout my stay. I will definitely try and prioritize myself a little more and I will definitely return to the village hotel Blackpool. I would like to thank everyone concerned with organizing this break for me. I am truly grateful.
Jan 28, 2025
Lyn avatar
Lyn
The hotel, staff, room and surroundings were beautiful, so peaceful. Having the break really recharged me, to carry on with my caring role for mum. It has been a hard year, as I was caring for dad too, sadly he passed away after a long fight with cancer. Not sure how much longer I could have carried on, without being exhausted myself. Thank you so much to everyone who is involved with this service. It was so amazing having a break with my husband, and having quality time together. Thank you again. Lyn and Steve X
Nov 18, 2024
Fatima avatar
Fatima
This was a much-needed break. I am a working mum with 4 children. Always on the go with cooking, cleaning, and household chores. No time for myself. Going to work is the only time I get a break from my caring role. This break made such a huge difference to the relationship I have with my husband. Able to spend quality time together. The hotel facilities were great - swimming pool, sauna and exercise classes. Came back feeling re-energised. Thank you.
Oct 28, 2024
Josephine avatar
Josephine
I was almost at breaking point. I’m an unpaid carer for two adults. My husband has dementia and Alzheimer’s. My son has autism. Neither are able to help or support me. Life at home is hard and getting harder due to my age and health. This break was fabulous. The hotel staff were very friendly, the accommodation brilliant. I ate in the hotel. I slept most of the time I was there. But, it was just what I needed. Nothing major happened whilst I was away, so, I now feel able to take a couple of short breaks, from time to time, to keep me sane.
Jun 2, 2024
Alison avatar
Alison
I had a great time. The hotel was amazing. Fantastic view from my room. Food was lovely. Thanks again.
May 31, 2024
Peter avatar
Peter
It was nice to have some time away and relax for a few days. I'm feeling refreshed now!
May 7, 2024
Kim avatar
Kim
Relaxing me time. I felt like myself again. Brilliant service, much appreciated.
Feb 16, 2024
Julie avatar
Julie
Pre-booking your lovely offer of this break pushed me into finding the time for hubby and self. The last time we had an undisturbed relaxing time was over a year ago, at the last break! Many thanks to you all!
Jan 29, 2024
Kulsum avatar
Kulsum
You've thought of this amazing idea that is so thoughtful, and considerate. Well done to all involved.
Dec 21, 2023
Janet avatar
Janet
Thank you for giving me time to reflect.
Dec 15, 2023
Jannat avatar
Jannat
Carefree is an amazing organisation for carers like myself. We certainly just need a break sometimes from the huge responsibility we have in caring for another person full time. Thank you Carefree!
Oct 17, 2023
Elizabeth avatar
Elizabeth
The hotel was really lovely & I did not need to feel guilty at treating myself & my partner, who finds my son (who I care for) very difficult.
Jun 19, 2023
Manwinder avatar
Manwinder
I'm hoping next time to make use of the swimming and sauna facilities, but it gave me a chance to just switch off and relax.
May 15, 2023
Yilin avatar
Yilin
Got myself back, and enjoyed being on my own - even just two nights.
Apr 29, 2023
Emma avatar
Emma
I was actually ill after we arrived, but it gave me time out to rest rather than carrying on whilst having a stomach bug. I would love to go again, in good health, and use amenities.
Apr 17, 2023
Kim avatar
Kim
Lovely hotel, friendly staff and nice food. Very relaxing.
Mar 22, 2023
Michelle avatar
Michelle
Carefree is a fantastic service.
Feb 6, 2023
Nicole avatar
Nicole
I chose to take my older daughter, and it was so nice to be ourselves and not worry about caring for a child with additional needs. Fantastic charity. I'm very grateful for the break!
Oct 3, 2022
Makenna avatar
Makenna
The hotel was amazing. We had such a nice time, swimming and with breakfast all included in the package!
Sep 13, 2022