Wall of Love

It gave me and my husband a night, where we could speak to each other and actually have a meal with each other with no interruption.

It was a tremendous feeling of being free, not tied to my chores, something to look forward to and an eagerness to be there. I had a lovely stay, and the hotel staff were all very supportive and professional. I felt my shoulders relax in those surroundings and in the swimming pool I thought to myself, "What bliss". How nice it is to do things I used to do for myself, like swimming with no worry of timing for dinner, medication and routine. I felt "me ". Furthermore, it has been a tremendous welcome break without the financial burden. Exploring a new area made me feel good as I learnt something new, gaining new knowledge about the cathedrals and museums. This gave me satisfaction about me gaining new knowledge and the freedom to take time and read. I rarely have time to read at home, always giving it last priority and running out of time in my day and being too tired at the end of the day. I felt "lifted"and relaxed walking in the park, chatting with other walkers and picking conkers. Being in the hotel kinda gave me permission to have relaxing treatments. I allowed myself to be treated. I want to thank the hotel - the McKeever group for their contribution to well-being for carers. It seems that it is one of the few, and I am very grateful to them and Carefree for making this break possible.

My break was important to me because I never go anywhere and it was so nice to be pampered. I had a beautiful room and used the swimming pool & steam room. It was so nice to have time to myself and reflect on my own life. That evening I had a meal in the restaurant. It was delicious and the staff could not be nicer. Overall, it was a luxury experience.

Thank you. This break gave me some precious mother and daughter time. The hotel was beside shops and a cinema. The staff at the hotel were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

We had such a relaxing time. My husband and I actually got to speak to each other and enjoy each other’s company without having to deal with family life. Thank you so very much, I really appreciated the opportunity to pause and reflect x

I had a 2-night break, and although my husband stayed home and cared for our two disabled children, I managed to enjoy the first night solo and the second night my sister joined me. The night alone was invaluable. I had a lot of time to think to myself, which gave me great perspective on our caring situation and helped to bolster my capacity and realise that I’m doing a great job. My second night was fun with my sister, and I really felt like the old me before all my current responsibilities. The hotel staff were lovely. The receptionist upgraded my room (at a fee) to one of their spa garden rooms. This really ended up being a luxury break and allowed me to reset and build energy to manage my caring role much better.

From arrival, the staff were lovely - friendly and helpful. We requested a quiet room, and we got exactly that. The room was lovely - clean and modern. We had a wonderful night away just thinking about ourselves for once! Breakfast was absolutely delicious the next morning, overlooking the Six Mile River and watching the peacocks in the garden! I’m so glad Carefree have been able to secure McKeever hotels as it has really opened up the booking process. We will definitely be availing of another break when we can. Thank you for facilitating a lovely break. 🤗

The short break was lovely. I enjoyed some precious moments of time. It made me feel better, with renewed energy. The hotel was amazing, and the staff and customers were friendly and helpful. Thank you so much for the opportunity and your support.

It was lovely to spend time with my husband it was our wedding anniversary

The hotel was brilliant. Really clean. The staff were so helpful. It had everything you could ask for. The break was just what we needed. It was so relaxing.

Time to reset and refocus. Reflect on what is good and what we need to improve to give our son the best care I possibly can, whilst also being mindful of our own needs.

On my behalf, I’d like to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I really enjoyed Hilton Hotel; the staff were amazing. I had my best break for the first time in my life, and I’m so grateful. Thank you so much, everyone.

My husband and I loved our night away. To be honest, I felt a bit like a teenager running away from home 😂 We would never have done this, but because it was gifted to us, it seemed more justified. It took three people to cover 24 hours to make a night away possible, and I said I’d not do this again—but after having carried it through, it was so worth it. We loved every minute of having no pressure and actually choosing what to do with our time. Thank you very much. For us, this trip was invaluable.

I had a lovely relaxing time away , a beautiful evening meal and a first class breakfast . It was lovely me and my husband to have some quality time away. Thank you so much for everything

I don't get respite, and even though this was very difficult to organise to get people to help care for one night. It was great, even to get to eat breakfast as it's hard to actually get to sit down and eat well. The hotel was lovely, and breakfast was amazing. Thank you so much for this break.

My break helped me remember what it was like to relax and enjoy myself without feeling like the weight of the world was on my shoulders.

My husband and I rarely have time out for ourselves. This night away was very much appreciated and we were were able to relax. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating and the room was very clean and comfortable. The breakfast was delicious with great choice and a lovely setting with a view over the water. We had a great night's sleep- in fact we had a lie in...something we rarely get the chance to do!

I can’t tell you how much we appreciate our break at The Hilton Hotel in Belfast. It was wonderful from Check-In to Check-Out. I feel so much more “ human” and autonomous and not just a “Carer” weighed down by responsibility. I went out for dinner, walked through the city centre all lit up for Christmas, met friends. I relaxed with a magazine. Following a great night’s sleep I had a lovely leisurely breakfast. The staff were so friendly and welcoming - it was just a wonderful 24 hours Thank you so much

The break was so important; we were able to relax and even attend a show in the city. It was great for our mental health, giving us time just for ourselves. We hadn’t been to the city in years. The Hilton Hotel was excellent. We were treated like royalty. The staff were so professional and friendly—nothing was too much trouble for them. I would recommend them to anyone.

I valued the opportunity to get away and feel more than just a carer. Thank you - this is the first time I've ever left my cared-for person and it's made me realise I can again. Looking forward to booking the next one.

Love Carefree as I couldn't get a break without it!

It was just lovely to get away and relax. The hotel was perfect. Hotel staff very pleasant and helpful. Room was clean and spacious. I would definitely recommend the Hilton Belfast. Thanks for everything. I had a really enjoyable break.

This break was only possible because of Carefree.

I would like to thank you, I had a great mental break!!

I usually go to family or friends, so it was lovely to stay in a nice hotel and have my breakfast prepared for me and be a tourist in a city I didn't know. It was more like a holiday than my usual break!

Really enjoyed the break and would love to go again! It was a chance to unwind and get some rest.

We thoroughly appreciated our break to Edinburgh, and are truly grateful to be given two days rest, and time away from being carers/mum and dad.

I cant thank you enough for allowing us to have some time together. It means the absolute world to us.

Precious time away to think and relax in a luxurious hotel which allowed me to recharge before burning out. Excellent, well organised initiative!

I would like to say that I'm so so grateful for this trip. I wish that it could be three times per year!

The cost of hotels can be expensive and just having this paid for us was such a brilliant help. I had the chance to rest my body, and spend time with my husband 💕

Freedom for doing your own thing!