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Wall of Love

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

Natasha avatar
Natasha
It meant that I could have some scheduled 'me' time, and it made me feel more valued. The hotel was incredibly quiet, and all of the people working there were very kind and friendly
Mar 5, 2026
Linda avatar
Linda
It was lovely to go away even for a couple of nights without having to worry about getting a phone call. Lumley Castle was lovely and the staff were very polite and accommodating. The perfect break away.
Apr 30, 2025
Elizabeth avatar
Elizabeth
It was good to be looked after and choose what I wanted to do instead of 24/7 caring for my husband
Apr 8, 2025
Iman avatar
Iman
I will never forget it as it was an exceptional experience to be away from the stress and caring responsibility. I found a time to reconnect with myself and give myself a priority. I had time to spend with my child 10-year as I never got time for him due to the needs of my husband who requires me to look after him all the time. My son told me that he finally found out more about my personality and what food I like. We both had a lovely time as he is an unpaid young carer who knows how precious these moments are to be on a break. I had a nice shopping trip on Oxford Street and I treated myself well. The hotel staff are so friendly and welcoming. They smiled and they did their best to accommodate my needs, e.g. i booked the hotel with a child (10 years), but breakfast was only for one person. The hotel was nice to be flexible to add my son to the breakfast fro free. They are so kind and have lovely personalities. Thank you to everyone who made this possible for my son (Young Carer) to have this fantastic break.
Apr 2, 2025
Geoffrey avatar
Geoffrey
The hotel has been amazing. Staff were superb and friendly. My friend and I would highly recommend both Carefree and Slaley Hall.
Nov 27, 2024
Celine avatar
Celine
I don’t think that, as a carer, you realize how worn out you are. The role is relentless. While I have managed days out because family will help, I’ve never had two full nights away. I felt so rested and relaxed during the break. Having breakfast made for me was a treat in itself. I finally had the chance to go into Chester, something I’ve wanted to do for years. Just walking around the Christmas market and shops was a real treat. The hotel was very nice, with welcoming staff. I didn’t feel that I was treated any differently because I hadn’t paid for my stay—they were so kind and helpful. It was lovely to see the Carefree Breaks sign on the check-in desk, showing that the hotel is a partner in the scheme. The hotels that take part in this program deserve a big thank you too. Everyone involved in this process has been great. I can’t wait to try another break next year. Long may this scheme continue—it really was a carefree break for me. Thank you from a much less frazzled carer!
Nov 22, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5
Jane Foley
Video transcript: Good afternoon. I'm Jane Fawley from Halifax, West Yorkshire, and I cannot thank enough for making space and carefree for giving me the break that I just needed. If you have the chance to go on one, please take it because it's the break that you're gonna need and you'll enjoy it. I have, and I've fully enjoyed it. The place was spectacular, the food was spectacular, the staff was spectacular, the views was fantastic. Just looking out the window. I didn't have to leave the hotel because it was just for me. So I enjoyed the time that I stayed there. So thank you so much. Carefree and making space, for making this happen for me. Thank you. Bye.
Jane Foley avatar
Jane Foley
I've been going through a lot lately with my mental and physical health. I was a carer for my daughter, who has now moved far away. Making space has let me continue for 2 years now. The help and support they have given me is brilliant; I could not have coped without it. My daughter has mental health issues and doesn't talk very often, which upsets me very deeply. Thank you once again.
Jul 7, 2024
Rebecca avatar
Rebecca
I really enjoyed being looked after and doing nothing.
May 7, 2024
Karen avatar
Karen
It was nice to feel free and not have to worry and do the normal everyday things. Thank you for my break - I can't afford to stay at hotels normally!
Apr 22, 2024
Linda avatar
Linda
The hotels on offer all look to be of good quality and all within easy reach of where I live, so no long distance travelling especially as the breaks are only for 2 nights. It was great, not having to think about my cared for person as I knew she was being cared for.
Apr 12, 2024
Claire avatar
Claire
Thanks very much. I don't know what I would do without your kindness, I am so grateful 🙏 Hotel was amazing, all wonderful.
Dec 5, 2022
Marina avatar
Marina
I'm currently recovering from an illness and some rest and recuperation was so badly needed. I felt so lucky to have booked this break beforehand. The timing was so fortunate and definitely helped my mental and physical wellbeing. Thank you so much for my break. Words can't portray how grateful I am.
Nov 28, 2022
Afia avatar
Afia
I really appreciated the chance to get away.
Nov 17, 2022