Wall of Love

This break was very important because our daughter is recovering from a big operation. So my caring role has been far more intense leading up to the break. The break made a difference to have more me time and some thinking space too.

The hotel - the Belfry Cambridge was lovely. We were greeted well by reception, we had our evening meal in the restaurant where the staff were cheerful and helpful. And the food was delicious. We used the spa area which was comfortable but a little tired in decor. Overall the trip to Cambridge was very positive- I felt so relaxed after a one night stay . We had such a relaxing time that we missed breakfast 😂 Definitely go again. Thank you

Time to myself is so important. I suffer from poor mental health and find it difficult coping with my caring role, so I need frequent breaks. As I live with the person I care for, the only way I can get a proper break is by going away. I have no income other than Carer’s Allowance, so I cannot afford to get away as much as I need. I am extremely grateful to Carefree and Village Hotels for giving me the opportunity to switch off and relax for a couple of days. I loved having access to a pool as well—I find swimming boosts my mood, but I have difficulty making time for it when at home. The hotel staff were all very friendly and helpful. As a carer, you often feel overlooked and taken for granted—these breaks make you feel recognised.

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.

It gave us a chance to relax and recover at the end of a tiring year. We spent uninterrupted time together, sightseeing, relaxing, and watching films without worrying about all the things we should be doing instead. The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful, and we really enjoyed the breakfasts.

The break was fantastic. It gave me a chance to breathe and relax. It is very tiring caring for someone, and particularly at Christmas time when there are so many other demands on your time. It gave me the opportunity to discuss some of my concerns with my sister-in-law, who went with me. I love swimming and know it is so good for both my physical and mental health, but I never seem to find the time to go when I am at home, so staying at a hotel with a pool is wonderful. I wish I could go for a swim every day. I cannot express how it feels to be acknowledged by the charity and by your partner hotels - it means so much to me. As an unpaid carer, I feel overlooked and exploited. I have suffered with depression and poor mental health all my life, and I could not continue my caring role without these breaks. Please pass on my thanks to Q Hotels and all the staff at Chesford Grange. I have never stayed in such a friendly hotel. All the staff were very welcoming and did everything they could to help. The food was delicious. I would definitely recommend the hotel and consider returning.

The break really helped me to refocus on myself and my needs. I felt like a person again. My mind needed the break. The hotel were fab and upgraded me to free breakfast really was touched thank you for this help

I was totally exhausted from starting a new job and trying to care and organise cover while I am working. Have had so little time to myself it was great to make some time to just chill out. Hotel was very nice with great facilities and food. Worth the journey to get there.

I have three disabled children and I am a singles parent so it's very hard and this just gave me the beather I needed

It was fabulous to feel looked after for a change, lots of walking and seeing interesting things in Cambridge. Lovely hotel in a great location for museums. I loved this break, I feel more relaxed. So grateful for the experience.

As an unpaid carer, you feel taken for granted and totally overlooked. Carers' allowance is not enough to live on and does certainly not pay for a respite break. The break made it feel as if somebody cared about me. Using the pool and hot tub was fantastic. I love swimming but cannot afford to belong to a club. As the break went on, I could feel the stress and tension in my body melt away. I suffer from poor mental health, and the break allowed me to relax and reset for the months of caring ahead. I would like to thank Delta Hotels by Marriott for participating in this scheme. You have made such a difference to my health and well-being and my ability to go on caring.

I really enjoyed my break away with a friend, we walked quite a lot, also relaxed & read our books with no interruptions!! We also had a massage each which was heavenly & very relaxing. Thank you for giving me the chance to have a break in a lovely hotel with a fantastic breakfast each morning with a chance to relax.

I have health issues myself, so being able to use the swimming pool and sauna helped me immensely with better mobility and less pain. I will now make time every week I am home to go swimming once a week. This is also good for my mental health as well as well-being. Thank you so much.

I feel like a normal person again where I have time to relax and not be on alert as a carer all the time. Got a bit of my life back. The hotel staff made us feel special too. Thank you.

Staff at hotel were fabulous. We both enjoyed using the spa in the hotel and felt very relaxed.

This is the first time I have been able to spend time away with my best friend who I do not see because she lives so far away. I do not have a social life and never take time out for myself. The hotel was lovely, it was great connecting with my friend again, talking over things and just enjoying a spa. A huge thank you

The time away was so needed I took a close friend with me so I had good company. I needed the sea and although the weather wasn’t warm it was so lovely to go for walks along the beach, it was very freeing from my caring role! I’m very grateful. As a carer, you forget about yourself.

The hotel was very good. Large room, great restaurant, and spa. The area was lovely and it was all very relaxing. Even the weather was good.

I am grateful to you and The Bear Hotel. I had a relaxing couple of days with a lot of "me time'. Hungerford is a lovely little town with nice people. The hotel staff were amazing. Thank you Carefree for making this happen.

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!

Excellent location, peaceful and quiet. The staff were friendly and the hotel had facilities onsite to help me relax.

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.

Sightseeing and delicious breakfasts was outstanding. We're very grateful to Carefree. This is our second break and we've been looking forward to it since our last one exactly a year ago!

I mostly enjoyed the quality, undisturbed time with my wife, which we don't often get. We really appreciate your kindness. Thank you

The main thing was it gave me respite from my daily caring routine. I felt relaxed and comfortable in the hotel and certainly Carefree!

The break was very much appreciated.

I really appreciate the opportunity to take such a wonderful short break.

I had the freedom of not having to worry about all the jobs that need doing. Everything was great.

It was a great break. I had time to relax and do nothing, which is exactly what I needed. My other daughter and I had time to bond and enjoy our company.

Freedom to do whatever we felt like, without pre planning or factoring in his requirements into our decisions, and no unanticipated issues to deal with made for a more relaxing enjoyable break. We've only had one other night away without our son in the past 7 years! It was a thoroughly enjoyable few days with a lot packed in, we were also upgraded at our hotel which was a nice treat. Very many thanks to all involved in providing this valuable service.

It was lovely weather and Hilton Hotel Angel Islington is beautiful - friendly staff. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you.

It was lovely having some time for myself. I felt ready to start again once I was home.

Having the respite from my daily carer duties and being able to rest was amazing. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to take a break!

I enjoyed not cooking, swimming and the peace of a quiet environment.

Carefree cares! They really care about my health and wellbeing. God sent charity. Thank you.

The hotel was lovely and staff were fabulous!

I felt soooo blessed to have had this golden opportunity with you as an organisation. Thank you very much.

The hotel is the best I've stayed at. Lovely staff, nothing is too much trouble. Everything is explained on arrival and the room was fantastic! Thank you for giving me a chance to recuperate.

Great service, thank you very much.

The hotel was amazing and I would just like to thank you so much it makes such a change from hospitals.

It was a wonderful hotel to spend time away from my home and be able to relax, which doesn't happen at home.

I can’t thank you enough. It’s just what I needed, time away and not having to do anything ...it was lovely.

We are just so grateful.

Before our break, I felt tired to the bone. Now I feel less tired. It's hard to take time off, but this opportunity gave us the impetus to do it.

Time to do my own thing, peace and quiet.

I somehow felt I had 'permission' to go as it was a Carefree break specially for carers. It made me feel less selfish about leaving my son with someone else.