Wall of Love

It was such a help and came at exactly the right time. I have two adult children with special needs and had become very run down and unwell, especially over the last couple of weeks. Being able to rest, sleep, and not talk to anyone for 24 hours was a huge help. It was also wonderful to have a complete change of scene — to read books, go for walks, and browse a few shops in a village — things I can’t normally do. I had such a sense of freedom. The night before I left, things had escalated late into the night with my son — tears, anger, vomiting — it couldn’t have been more difficult. I then found myself at a hotel with beautiful grounds, staff who could not have been more helpful, and delicious food. I felt so cared for, and it gave me such a deep sense of peace. I think it is incredibly kind of hotel managers to do this for carers. I could not have afforded or justified taking a break like this otherwise, and it has left me in a much better place to carry on. Thank you, Carefree, for providing this amazing service, and thank you so much to everyone at the Elvetham Hotel.

I have two young adults with autism and health issues, as well as an 84-year-old mum, and I had got to the point of feeling so stressed about not having any personal space, as they are both at home nearly all the time. To be able to just be me for two days, in a silent room, to have a lovely breakfast and a swim, made me feel so cared for - for a change. I walked alone and noticed the arrival of spring in the countryside, and it made me feel so grateful I cried. I happened to see the hotel manager and thanked him so much for doing this for me and others. I read, drank coffee, pottered around Chichester, and just felt so free, with nothing and no one I had to look after. I would not have been able to do this if a Carefree break had not been offered - I would have felt too guilty spending the money on myself, and too selfish. Thank you so much.

It was wonderful not having to think about anyone else, even for just a couple of days. I also didn’t have to do any cooking or cleaning, which was a definite bonus! Breakfast was perfect, the staff were very kind and helpful, and the hotel facilities were exactly what I needed to relax and unwind. Thank you!

My two adult children have autism and it is very hard to switch off and have any time to myself at home. Not to deal with anger meltdowns from one and tears from the other for a few days and just to walk by the sea, swim in the pool and read has made me feel so much better and more able to cope.

I'm so grateful for your support, having my own time and space.

I have never been in a 4 stars hotel. I had never been to Edinburgh. I met new people, new culture, new food (haggis) good memories forever.