Wall of Love
Read heartfelt stories from unpaid carers who found comfort and support following their break.
Stephanie
Beautiful location and grounds. My room was amazing . The breakfast was delicious. Sat in the grounds in beautiful weather and chilling with a glass of wine. Met my friends the next day on the way home it was a beautiful reset after a very stressful few months . Very much appreciated time away to decompress .
Oct 12, 2026
Carmel
The break was so important in allowing me to recharge my batteries and not have to think about the daily tasks that need doing, having time away from caring responsibilities which can be very overwhelming at times. I used the time to slow down, relax, have food I didn’t have to cook, and enjoy a spa treatment. I was an hour away from home, so I could be back if needed, and I have good support close by, so I knew my husband would manage for the night. It’s difficult to put into words how important this time and space is, but I do know it helps me to get by, to have time for myself, to not resent the situation our family has been thrown into, and to cope. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to the next time.
May 8, 2026
Julia
This was the first break I have had in a long time. I was able to visit Oxford for the first time and enjoy this wonderful city. The hotel staff were lovely during our visit and made it all the more special.
Mar 25, 2026
Jan
I had an amazing stay. The hotel was gorgeous, and all of the staff were lovely. It was a very relaxing and luxurious experience. I looked forward to it so much, and it definitely lived up to my expectations! I came away feeling very refreshed and so much more able to cope with the challenges in my life. Thank you to Carefree and Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa!
Jan 21, 2026
Stephanie
It was an exceptionally well-timed break. I care for my son, who is 19 and has autism. In the past 3 years, my mum/dad, sister and our 2 family dogs have passed away. I felt completely bereaved and inconsolable for the last year. I have been seeking help from friends, courses, etc. The carers society is amazing, and I’m well known as I nursed my late partner till he passed 17 years ago. I’ve been a lone parent, and it’s had its challenges. At the ripe old age of 60, I started a new chapter. I started back at work and completed my Angelic Reiki course in late December. Crewe Hall is stunning. My friend joined me, and I have a friend from Crewe who met us for dinner the first night. The place/facilities are amazing. The staff, food and company were phenomenal. I felt relaxed for the first time in ages. Without these breaks, life has been hard, but I feel so blessed to have access to such resources. I came home to find my son has completed his Internship. It’s been the start to a new year that I’ll never forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jan 18, 2026
Jan
It was so lovely to have some time just for me. I had such a relaxing stay and can’t thank Carefree and Rookery Hall enough. I came home feeling refreshed and more able to cope with my caring role.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful and I was made to feel special throughout my stay. An especially big thank you to the lovely ladies in the spa who went above and beyond to look after me.
Oct 7, 2025
Andrea
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.
Aug 6, 2025
Nichola
I don't have time away from my caring role, so this is such a treat for me. I feel recharged to carry on.
I stayed at Crewe Hall hotel, which has a lot of interesting history; there's even a church inside, which surprised me. There was a lovely garden to walk around, which was nice.
Staff were very friendly and helpful and encouraged me to walk around the hotel to see the history and see the pictures on the walls. I couldn't fault it. Thank you to everyone involved.
May 20, 2025
Teresa
This break gave me and my husband time to reconnect as a couple. It gave us space and time to recharge our batteries. We just wish it could have been longer. The hotel was amazing. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. What a wonderful place to stay. A beautiful grade 2 listed building in wonderful peaceful grounds. The rooms were spotlessly cleaned and the service amazing. Thank you once again for looking after us. We would love to come back to you.
Apr 12, 2025
Stephanie
I went to The Mill House Hotel in Chester and was upgraded on arrival. I stayed in a king-size bed with a fantastic view of the canal, all lit up at night. I invited a friend to meet me for a meal at the hotel, which was lovely. I slept incredibly well without worrying about how my son was.
I visited the Cathedral and met some lovely people. Breakfast was delicious, and the weather was stunning. I felt so recharged after my visit. On my way home, I even stopped off to check out the Bird of Prey experience. I felt so incredibly positive coming home. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
Mar 22, 2025
Robert
It is so important to have my own time without the pressure of caring for someone and to get away for a couple of days was unbelievable. I managed to walk, swim, and use gym but more importantly, I got a couple of decent nights' sleep. I came home refreshed. The staff at the Village Hotel Manchester Bury were very pleasant, and helpful and acted in a most professional manner.
Mar 14, 2025
Karen
It gave us the opportunity to step away from our caring role, allowing us to switch off and prioritize ourselves. It was a chance to rest and recuperate. The DoubleTree Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon was a lovely venue. The staff were kind and friendly, the room was fantastic, and the breakfast both mornings was wonderful. The hotel was within walking distance of the town, and even the parking was free for us.
It was a truly wonderful break, and we are so grateful to you for organizing it. Thank you!
Jan 26, 2025
Robert
The break allowed me time away from caring, and importantly, it was located away from my home but close enough to get back relatively quickly. The hotel staff were first class, from staff at reception, staff at gym reception, dining room staff—in fact, all the staff I spoke to. This made for a worry-free stay. I must also say that the gym and swimming pool were first class.
Nov 15, 2024
Debra
I was able to rest and relax - financially as well as physically. Came home feeling stronger to continue caring at a very tricky life stage.
Oct 23, 2024
Wendy
This break has helped me to feel recharged after a very difficult year both mentally and physically. To get some time to ourselves was invaluable. We would like to thank the hotel for a very pleasant stay. The staff were courteous and polite. The room was lovely and had a beautiful view of the fountain. It was great to have chairs in the room so that we could relax comfortably after a long day. The breakfast was comprehensive and delicious.
Oct 8, 2024
Stephanie
Had a wonderful, super relaxing time at the nearby hotel I chose! Even though I was away from who I care for, I was still close enough to return home in a short time, if needed. The staff were really friendly. The break was an amazing experience.
Oct 1, 2024
Cathy
It came at a time when I needed to relax due to my daughter's behaviour. The hotel was beautiful and the staff made you feel special. I appreciate the time and effort you put into enabling people like myself to unwind and feel normal for a short time.
Aug 12, 2024
Andrea
I really enjoyed myself. I went swimming a lot, relaxed, and I enjoyed going to bed early for a change and getting up to a lovely cooked breakfast each morning in the hotel, followed by a swim. I would recommend the hotel; the staff were friendly, and the rooms were comfortable and clean. It was important for me to get some sleep and relax. Thank you for this opportunity.
Jul 28, 2024
Nichola
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.
May 2, 2024
Jan
What an amazing scheme! I had a fabulous 2 nights away thank you. The accommodation was perfect. I am so grateful for being given the opportunity to relax and be myself. It means so much that you recognise being an unpaid carer is difficult and that we deserve respite. Thank you again!
May 2, 2024
Sue
I enjoyed taking a friend and being able to talk about things with her, free of distraction and stress, but knowing that I wasn't far away from the person I was caring for.
Feb 12, 2024
