Wall of Love

This break meant that I could see my family and meet my new nephew. I made new memories that I will cherish, and I felt connected. Staying in a hotel made me feel like an individual again. I had a long, relaxing shower, a lie-in, and a change of environment. Carving out that time and space for myself was more important than I knew.

A chance to unwind, think about what I'd like to do & only worry about home when I get back.

I felt like it gave me the space to clear my head. On my break, I was able to have a conversation with a professional friend who gave me some advice. It was great to have that conversation in a new environment, but also, I was able to articulate myself better plus hear and understand clearly the advice that she was sharing with me. It was just useful to be in a different environment from my usual space at home.

The customer service at the hotel was simply amazing, amongst the best of any hotel I have visited, including 5-star hotels. This break was a much needed opportunity for me to spend time with my teenage daughter and for us to connect, without my cared for child demanding my time and energy. Getting a full night's sleep was also very welcome. Many thanks for this excellent program.

Firstly Id like to thank Carefree and the hotels for offering these breaks to carers. Being a carer and neurodivergent myself, it is important that I have some time to recharge to prevent burnout as this could potentially last weeks and I wouldnt be able to care for my family as I should. Hotel staff were friendly and professional, very helpful and ensured I was aware of the times for breakfast and other services etc. The room itself was lovely, very clean and a place where I could switch off and enjoy my break overnight. I look forward to returning !

I used the break to fully relax, revitalise and enjoyed the peace. It is such a godsend being able to have some me time. I would like to say thank you to the hotel for their friendly, helpful and approachable manner throughout my stay. It was a lovely break and I am very grateful.

It was my first break in a hotel since I lost my wife earlier this year. I did wonder how I would feel going away without Marilynn, but I definitely needed a break, as it is much harder looking after my stepson on my own. It was good that it was just a one-night break, as it gave me a chance to try it out. Ana, on reception, was very welcoming, and the staff at breakfast time were also friendly. I didn't feel out of place eating on my own, as the hotel caters for business travellers who are also on their own. I very much appreciated a large corporate company such as IHG making a gesture of support to unpaid carers – it made me feel that my role was appreciated.

1st holiday/break in years. I was on my knees, worried about leaving my husband, but my son was brilliant. Likewise, the accommodation and staff where we stayed. Thank you. I would not have done it without your invitation so glad I did.

The break gave us some time away from our caring responsibilities to relax, enjoy, and really focus on ourselves and think about our wellbeing without worrying about anything. We felt happy and just enjoyed having some space and time to take things easy, which is rare.

It was just nice to feel like "me " again with no stress and worry.

It was important as we were able to spend some quality time together without a child asking for things. Rick thought he had gone deaf🤣 and even looked behind him in the hotel to check if the kids were behind us🤣. It was a lovely, relaxing break, and we appreciate it so much as it's not often we get time to ourselves.

I got to spend time with my daughter on my own, going shopping, out to the cinema, and out for lunch and dinner.

The break away was amazing. I was at absolute burnout. The break allowed me to relax, sitting in the hotel reception area and sew during the evening. The break gave me the downtime I needed.

My husband and I haven't been able to share a bed at all this year as I have to sleep with my daughter. Thanks to your service we managed to spend a night together, some quality time just being a couple instead of Mum and Dad. It's so important as we often forget why we were together in the first place. Thank you.

I was really exhausted before I took the break, I went with my husband, and it helped us both. I feel less tired, which makes it easier to care for my mum. This is my third break over the past few years, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have these breaks, thank you so much. The hotel was really good, comfy beds, clean, breakfast was good, and all the staff are very attentive and friendly.

The break was important to myself and my husband because it allowed us to have some time together, just us, with no pressures and space to breathe.

The break allowed me to take time away from my caring role for my son and spend quality time with my daughter doing what she loves - shopping. The location was right next to the metro centre so ideal for our needs and allowed us to treat ourselves at the shop and for a nice meal.

I stayed at Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Gateshead, which, as well as being handy for some retail therapy, is also close to where my brother and sister-in-law live, so we had a lovely Sunday lunch before my stay, and the next day I had a wander around the Metrocentre. Something that I haven't been able to do for a very long time. The hotel was lovely with friendly staff. I felt so relaxed. Thank you.

This was so lovely—to get a break not only from my mum, whom I care for, but also to have some quality time with my husband, away from all the chaos of mum’s care, as we hardly get any time just to be a couple—no thinking about meds, sorting washing, cooking meals, etc. The hotel was clean and inviting, the room was lovely and spacious, and the staff were all really friendly. So thank you, Carefree and the hotel, for a lovely break.

My break was important to me because I was exhausted and wasn’t looking after myself well. Lack of good night's sleep was the main factor. It was straightforward to check in and connect to the WiFi. Breakfast was a buffet, and the food was hot, staff were there to assist. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to relax and concentrate on ourselves.

I have been overwhelmed by life, and the pressures on my mental health have been debilitating. This break away was not something I would have taken, but I am so glad I did. Just being able to focus on myself and relax was fabulous. The hotel was very comfortable and the staff very friendly.

The break was important to me because without this break, I was isolated, pulling away from friends and family. I was really stressed and just needed one day to myself, to get myself back and to feel like me again. Now I can get back to my caring role as a better me.

It was nice to spend time together as parents which is very rare, without the financial burden to do so. We feel a lot happier in our relationship getting some breathing space without the guilt. Thank you for caring about our wellbeing

Enabled me to enjoy life for a short period without the underlying stress of being "on call" to deal with care. Attended a really enjoyable concert at a special venue. Found a rare opportunity to look after myself and freed up my mind to shop for some clothes. The hotel was pleasant and relaxing, even for a city location, and was perfectly positioned for transport, concert and shopping. The room was very nice, breakfast was enjoyable, and the hotel staff were friendly and welcoming.

I took one of my other daughters, who's been struggling with having less time with me, and she had been having anxiety and struggling going to school. I used the Carefree break to have some 1-1 time with her and to get a break for both of us from the stress at home. It was so lovely to be able to unwind and have some quality time with my child, who has been through lots with the older sibling being poorly

The break meant my husband and I could have some time to reconnect and discuss things in detail, along with making memories together as we used to when we were younger.

My partner and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Theatreland in Glasgow for a one-night stay. The staff were lovely and made us feel welcome. The room we stayed in was beautiful, comfortable, and had everything we needed and more. We were able to spend the evening as a couple instead of as carers, which had a positive impact on our relationship. We don’t often get to go out on our own, so even though we weren’t far from home, it felt like a real break. The hotel itself was lively, and the staff were fantastic, so I would like to pass on our thanks to them.

The break away was really important to us, as it allowed my partner and me to reconnect. We also tied it into my birthday, so I could enjoy an evening that was about me and be completely “off duty.” It made us realise how important it is to spend time as a couple, rather than constantly being in fight-or-flight mode in our caring roles.

The hotel made me feel welcome and it was amazing to have people care about my experience and not just that of my disabled child

It would only have cost slightly more to book a cheap night away at this time of the year. It was not really the money. It was the physiology that I was being given a night away for me. This seemed easier to say and easier for me to not feel guilty about, why I was having a night away rather than saying “I need a break from you “.

Break was important because it allowed me to do something for myself without having to worry about cared for person. Hotel was very comfortable and staff very friendly.

It enabled my husband and I to have time to stop for a short while and connect with each other. We were only away from 6pm on a Friday and collected my son at 12pm the next day, but it was enough time for us to feel like we had a break. Excuse we stayed close to home we weren’t as worried about leaving our son, as we knew we could get back quickly if needed. It was also the first time he has stayed overnight with my parents and they felt reassured that we were fairly close (40 mins away). We wouldn’t have been able to afford to go away without this scheme and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you.

I enjoyed my break away from the demanding and continued repetitive conversations just being on my own for a short while.

It was so nice just to get away, even if it was only for one night. It made a lot of difference to me when I returned and felt refreshed, and the hotel was lovely.

This break was just what me and my partner needed. For context I am a disabled Mum with a disabled daughter. I care for her and my partner cares for us both. So it is extremely tiring, overwhelming, overstimulating and highly pressured. I don't get time to rest and this makes me more unwell. My partner doesn't get time to rest either or enjoy time to himself, alongside this and working full time, which is exhausting and a lot of responsibility. Only two people are trained in caring for my daughter and both of those people have other caring responsibilities (my father is terminally ill, and my sister in law has one child and another on the way) so as you can imagine- opportunity for a break is very limited. So this break was so important for us to reconnect, enjoy being a couple again, rest and just take off the pressure for a little bit long enough to breathe, have fun and most importantly- have a good night's sleep. I cannot thank you enough for providing such a wonderful, thoughtful, caring service that took out the need for us to plan and arrange a break, without the worry of the financial burden of that. It is truly something special that you are providing. It is so important to recognise our carers and as a disabled nurse-Mum, who has had the year from hell, I can't express how much this break meant for me, and my partner. And probably my little girl too!

It was lovely to have the break, I felt like I had a bit of time for myself. I wish I could have had more than 1 day as it went so quick. When I returned home I felt I had more energy and it lasted a couple of days, unfortunately I feel like I have not been away and back to feeling fatigued and aches and pains but it was so nice to have the little break away from my caring duties. The hotel was nice and it was wonderful not having to worry about making breakfast as it was included in the room. That was a lovely finish. Thank you so much

It was a lovely break even though it was only one night. The hotel was outstanding and the staff were great 😊

The hotel was amazing and the staff were friendly. The room was lovely I could not fault it at all. 100% customer service

It was very important to go meet friends that I’d only ever spoken to online. I felt drawn to go see them… I had such a fantastic time. I felt kindness from the Holiday Inn I went to, and it helped me feel much better about myself and towards myself. I was me and not a carer.

My break gave me much needed rest and time for myself. It helped me feel refreshed, less stress, and better able to care for my loved one . The hotel was comfortable, staff very friendly and welcoming and made the experience even more relaxing.

Thank you so much. I didn't realize how much I needed the break. I have spent nine years looking after my two kids on my own after my 17-year marriage ended. Both the kids are autistic, and one also has ADHD. They both and myself all have Marfan's syndrome, so life is hard work, but the overnight break was just what the doctor ordered for me. Just to have an uninterrupted night to wash my hair and a shower for as long as I wanted was bliss. I didn't realize how nice it actually is to have a few hours to yourself. Thanks again.

The break was important for us as we never get time to ourselves. It made a big difference, made us realise how much we miss them when we are not here.

Being able to have a break away and being able to relax was wonderful, especially as I could take a close relative with me so it was company and we had a good time. I cannot fault the hotel it was brilliant, staff were very attentive and kind, food was lovely. All in all I had a wonderful overnight stay thanks to Carefree, Carers Careline and the Holiday Inn in Lichfield.

Just feel relieved to have a break this year. It has been so hard - really needed some space.

I really wanted to go to an event near Peterborough and see a friend while there. Being able to have a discounted stay at a nice hotel rather than a budget one made me feel cared for. I felt as though I had permission to self-pamper and I totally made the most of it! Nipped to the cinema to see a movie for the first time since before COVID, had a glass of wine in the hotel and travelling solo meant I had nothing to think about and only had to enjoy myself. I never do that! Check in was seamless and I can't tell you what a treat a sit down hot breakfast was that had been prepared by someone else. Thank you very much.

I don't necessarily feel rested, after my break, but I do feel more positive and productive. My break gave my mind some clarity, and reassurance that I could leave my son and take care of myself again, so I could be a better carer in the future.

Hotel was lovely and clean. Staff were all helpful and lovely. Break was important for me to just zone out for 24 hours.

The place I went to made me feel completely relaxed, it recharge my batteries. I’m really grateful for this rest and to just turn off for a little while. The hotel I went to was really lovely and friendly.

It was a very relaxing break and we felt more revived

The weather was beautiful which meant we could go for a long walk in the sun. We were very well looked after by staff at the hotel and it was a very comfortable stay. Thank you to everybody involved in making this trip happen.

The break allowed my husband and I to spend some time together with no time pressures, that I needed do something for my mother. The hotel was great. The staff were really nice and the breakfast was nice. The room was lovely. We actually paid to stay an extra night to extend the break.

I have never had a break away from my son (now 18), as I didn’t think he would cope on his own without me. I feel recharged and had some adult one-to-one time without children, and we reconnected with each other. The hotel was amazing - very clean and very welcoming.

Had such a lovely time in bath, did some sightseeing, and went to the relaxing spa and felt rejuvenated. Thankyou for making this break away possible.

It made me feel more refreshed and gave me the time to think about prioritising my life

My husband and I went away for 2 nights. It was first time in the last 14 years since our son was born. We have no family around and we have to relay on paid carers, so we cant afford to go away. It has been amazing to be just on my own with my husband. We felt for a first time that we can be a couple not only parents and unpaid carers. It has made a difference for us as human and a couple. We are very grateful and wish to thank you very much for this opportunity.

This break was absolutely amazing and much needed. I’ve been under so much stress lately caring for my 2 autistic sons with no "me time" 24/7. I have them both triggering each other because of their needs being so different. No one ever takes my boys — they’re hard work — and they don’t like leaving the house. I was able to get my 2 older children to take care of them, and they both had a great time, as did I. It was such a lovely experience for me, but also a nice break away for me too. It was only one night, so it wasn’t too much for the boys. Thank you so much for this opportunity; it’s very much appreciated and was well needed. I feel refreshed and relaxed. The hotel was lovely. The only problem is, as I don’t drive, there’s nothing to do as I don’t know the area and I’m anxious about travelling around myself. However, it was lovely to relax in my room. The hotel was nice and clean, the room was beautiful, and the staff were friendly. I didn’t have breakfast, as I’m not a breakfast person, but it was offered if I wanted it. Thank you to everyone involved in this much-needed trip — it’s very much appreciated.

Time out was so much appreciated and has helped reduce my stress levels.

This break mattered a lot to me; it allowed me to take time for myself and I even got to bring a friend that I had been missing for months. My mother, who I care for, was looked after by my very kind neighbour, who I trust and feel closer to now. Thank you for the opportunity, it was a great way for me to reset my mind.

It was a revelation I was able to do something for myself ie to go away and ‘indulge’ and not feel selfish doing so without my cared for person. The hotel I stayed in exceeded all expectations; the staff were lovely, the room very comfortable, the breakfast and smooth booking in process all incredible. I feel more confidant to take myself off for a night or two if I feel I need to re-energise again and one night was all it was but fabulous! Thank you so much!

Hotel was lovely and having breakfast made for me was a real treat. The break gave me chance to meet up with an old friend I hadn't seen for ages. If Carefree hadn't been there I would never have made the effort to arrange this break, and to ask my family for help in looking after my husband while I met my friend (who had to travel some distance to meet me). I think Carefree is a wonderful initiative.

I was able to take a friend and spend some fantastic quality time together away from our caring responsibilities. We had a wonderful evening in Stratford. The hotel was very flexible and helpful.

I just thought it was wonderful. We met people in the hotel and had nice conversation with them. We had a great time turned off for the night and had a great sleep. Woke in the morning feeling refreshed and relaxed

The break was very very needed I am a single mum to 3 kids post-cancer trauma treatment (op chemo radio etc ) I haven’t had any help or break for a long time now as the children dad hasn’t seen them since 1st Feb The break was very needed and very enjoyed for me to just be me for a little while, be reste,d have some nice food and a hot uninterrupted shower, and good sleep. I really needed and so grateful.

The hotel was great, the breakfast was lovely, and the room was clean and well equipped. I enjoyed not being responsible for anyone else for 24 hours.

This break allowed me to spend quality time with my best friend, something I've not been able to do since I started caring for someone. It helped us reconnect and I found a bit of myself again. Thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with my son, which uplifted me. The Receptionist said, 'Good for you, you deserve it', which really made me feel 'seen' and valued.

Just a night off with a few friends, somewhere different, to walk and have lunch, not clock watching or rushing and finally being able to get into bed knowing that I wouldn’t be up in the night, or have to listen. That alone is priceless!

It made a huge personal difference in that I realise I need to prioritise myself and my relationship to survive this. The hotel were also very kind, they offered free parking and a late checkout, and gave us a room in a quiet area. Please thank them from us.

It was so nice not worrying about being a carer, always on high alert for situations. I was able to real,x which was what I needed. Thank you.

I just loved every second. I’m so thankful!

I just wanted to firstly, thank you for the wonderful break my partner and I had at the Holiday Inn Express in Exeter on Friday night. Secondly, but equally, we were treated as full-paying guests, with respect and humility, and the whole experience was perfect. Breakfast was included, the bed was huge and comfortable, the room was clean and tidy, as was the shower room, and fresh, clean towels. It was a very welcome break, thank you for all that you do. I will spread the word at all the memory cafes we attend.

This break gave me time to myself and not have to be caring all the time. I was able to chill out for some time and enjoy myself.

My break was important to bring my focus back to me again. I do have health problems myself, and caring for my daughter can be mentally and physically draining. It was wonderful to rest and put my feet up. The hotel was wonderful - clean, luxurious, and the staff were very friendly. I would highly recommend the hotel. A big thank you to the hotel for their recognition of us carers, and to Carefree for your dedication to us carers. Your good work will always be needed. Thank you so much.

We had a lovely time, the hotel was lovely, the room was perfect, staff at the desk were really nice. It was also lovely to have breakfast the following morning cooked for us and no washing up to do. Can’t thank all involved enough for some free time to enjoy without worrying.

It was so lovely to be able to take a break with my sister. My husband and I do try to get away occasionally even if it just for a night but it's financially hard to go on my own but after this break I have realised how a complete break from home and some time spent with my sister has done wonders for my mental health! I would also like to thank the hotel, it was a perfect stay and without their kindness it wouldn't be possible

It was so nice to be away and not feel the pressure of demands and responsibilities. The biggest thing was the sleep. I had the best sleep I’ve had in years unbroken and super comfy. The hotel was great they were incredibly friendly and everything was done to high standard

It was good to be looked after and choose what I wanted to do instead of 24/7 caring for my husband

I didn’t realise how much I needed a night away until I had this opportunity to do it! Thank you

Oh where to start. My first full night's sleep in 25 years. Thank you so much. I even managed to eat while my food was hot - what a bonus!

My break was a chance to have my birthday to myself. My friends had other ideas, though, so what I got was a weekend of being spoiled by a succession of different people in my life. The hotel staff were lovely, and gave me a mini bottle of prosecco and a voucher for a free drink when they found out it was both my birthday and my carer's break. I came back home feeling loved and thoroughly spoiled by everyone involved, so thank you to absolutely everyone both directly in contact with me and behind the scenes for making it a wonderful night away, even though I didn't go far!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Exeter and it was excellent. The hotel was really clean, the room was well designed and nicely decorated. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My daughter and I were able to have some really special time together away from the stresses of home. We chose a hotel close to us because it made it easier to get there and home again, and maximized the time we could spend away. In previous years there wasn’t much availability in the South West and we weren’t able to find a suitable break that we could fit in/work out the logistics for. Finding a hotel in Exeter was so brilliant for us. Thank you for the opportunity - this is not something we could have afforded.

The break feels like it recognises what we do as carers. It's hard to feel appreciated. It made us get away from our hime chores which do not stop. It also made us get out and go to cinema at the same time and and have time as a couple.

I thoroughly enjoyed my overnight stay. I didn't access anything within the hotel as I stayed in my hotel room. I enjoyed listening to music and then reading later on. The room was lovely, and clean, and had everything needed for a relaxing stay. The hotel I chose was in a good location. The hotel staff were very polite, and friendly and made me feel very welcome. I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express and Carefree Space. Thank you for this opportunity to have some valuable to myself, it is very much appreciated.

It was lovely to have the space and it be dedicated to me, without my children and their needs

My wife and I had a wonderful short break although the weather was cold and wet. We were able to do some walking and enjoyed a great meal in the evening. Thank you all for the holiday.

Fantastic as always! Thank you! X

It was really lovely. The hotel was fab - not somewhere I could have afforded to stay. It was great to just relax

It's important to recharge and have some time away from caring. It's great to have some me time. I'm more able to continue caring now that I've been able to relax and recharge. Thank you.

Thank you so much for the break - it was amazing to be able to have a break with a friend and not have to worry about the cost. I actually felt I had a proper break and was able to re-charge and re-connect. The hotel was basic but clean and the staff were friendly and helpful. Thank you!

I just don't have the time or money to do things I would like to with my children, given my caring role for my dad. Carefree and Holiday Inn Bristol gave me the opportunity to take my youngest away and really spend some time away bonding and making memories.

Helped us financially get away, the cost of care is extortionate and being a worker I am not entitled to benefits. Thank you so much for giving me to courage and support to have a lovely weekend break away. Hotel was lovely, quiet, comfortable and close to the local town.

I really enjoyed the break, normally I get too anxious to leave my son but this gave me the push, and I benefited from it so thank you again! The staff was lovely and an extra bonus was having breakfast!

The break gave me and my husband quality time together, after having a very stressful few months.

Thank you to Carefree Breaks and to the hotel staff that were very pleasant. The hotel was peaceful and calm and I was able to relax. I wanted to stay longer in the hotel as it was nice and helped me to switch off. I feel more energised in my caring role. Many thanks.

The break was lovely, very relaxing, and definitely well-needed to have a bit of "me time." I really enjoyed being by myself. This was the first time I had ever gone away on my own, and I never had the confidence to do so before. The hotel was lovely.

Taking a break was really challenging for me on different levels and I have not any family members living in the UK. My mum and sister who came to visit from abroad accepted to look after my child. Also ,the fact that we are not allowed to take the person we care for was really hard. I felt something was missing and hard psychologically however this experience has helped me realise that I needed a break away from my child even for 1 night. This has really been an eye opener. I have to look after myself and stop constantly worrying and stressing out. This is the beginning of me becoming a better carer :)

It has been quite a rough few years. My wife was hospitalised for a month in October. Caring has been non-stop where I’d passed burnout and was in the compassion fatigue stage, all of which was having a detrimental effect on the care I could provide. I am so glad I managed to get this break, especially as finances have been a real challenge. Once I boarded the train and finally checked in, I started to breathe, knowing I had some time for myself, without having to worry about everything else. The hotel staff were lovely and welcoming. The room was an oasis. Breakfast was lovely and was nice just not having to cook for those 24 hours. I really appreciate the support and returned feeling refreshed and better able to provide the care my loved ones deserve. Thank you for providing a little light during some dark and difficult times.

The break was important to me to be able to recharge my energy and take care of myself. The hotel is lovely, staff were all friendly.

It really made a much needed difference being able to get away, thank you, really appreciate it. The hotel and staff were amazing, really lovely, thank you and the breakfast was really nice 😊

I feel more independent and confident about travelling alone. This year I have had 2 pet bereavement, my mum died and my new partner died recently as well. So a break away from my caring responsibilities is very much appreciated. Thankyou x

This is an incredible charity and it's made a huge difference to my life, thank u x

It was such a great treat to be away for a couple of nights and explore a new area. Just having time to go for walks, meander in the shops and have self care time was wonderful. Thank you to all who made it possible for me to have this break, it is greatly appreciated, your kindness reaches beyond what you can see.

I really needed to reset. It was nice being away from my carer role. Just being able to rest and not have the weight of my duties. The members of staff were all very nice.

My break was super important because I never have the chance to properly relax. It was lovely to have some me time. Debbie in Reception was lovely, thank you for her kindness and her help.

I got to spend time with my husband away from home and responsibilities for one night and have time to just us. The hotel and staff where lovely and so friendly

I was feeling exhausted. I was able to spend some quality time with a family member I hadn’t seen in years, and it was really special to be in a nice, new city. I even had a lie-in for the first time in years!

I care for my mum and dad. My dad has advanced dementia and is blind in one eye, my mum has COPD and multiple sclerosis. This break came at just the right time for me. The hotel was really nice and clean, the breakfast was excellent and the food and drinks were reasonable. Staff were a credit to the hotel. I'm looking forward to my next break. It has given me and my husband the ability to relax and laugh, away from the mundane everyday stresses. Thank you!

This break was so important to me to be able to spend some quality time with my husband just relaxing, shopping and just being in a different environment. The hotel we stayed in was fantastic and the staff were amazing and would love to return one day. Thank you!

My friend and I really needed this break. It was lovely to just switch off and just take care of ourselves. We were out, we went to the theatre and did a bit of Christmas shopping. The staff were amazing. They were very helpful and extremely welcoming, they couldn't do enough for us. We both left feeling relaxed and recharged. We felt able to go home and deal with what life throws our way. We are both parent carers of autistic children/young people. Thank you so much!

I loved every minute of it. The staff at the hotel were lovely and friendly and the hotel was excellent. My mood has improved vastly. Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible. These breaks really are life savers.

It was great to spend quality time with my wife without my mother and her needs being the priority. We agreed to not talk about her either. It left space for me to think about other things, free to enjoy my time away from home and to prioritise myself and my marriage. I would like to thank the hotel for the break, the location was great, the staff were friendly, the breakfast was delicious. Thank you Carefree, we wouldn't have had this opportunity without you.

The hotel was comfortable and clean. The staff were helpful and polite. I was desperate for a night away and feel slightly more at ease now.

I had the chance to take a break with paid accommodation and breakfasts for two days, which I couldn’t have afforded myself, so it truly made a difference to my quality of life.

It was lovely to take some time out for myself, the hotel was very nice and felt very luxurious.

The break was important to have a rest from being responsible 24/7 and gave me the time and space to prioritise my own needs.

Very friendly helpful people make such a difference in the beautiful historic city of Newcastle.

The offer allows me to get away with less guilt as it's being offered just for my wellbeing. I feel seen and I was able to visit my daughter who lives nearby.

The hotel was great, the staff was very helpful and the accessible room I had booked was indeed accessible (they aren't always). It was lovely to have time to myself to do exactly what I wanted, whether that was wandering around, sitting in a cafe, or having a rest! I was also able to reconnect with an aunt I hadn't seen for years. I went to a service in the cathedral too which I can't normally do. I had a fab break, thank you very much for making it possible.

I was worried about taking a break, however a family member offered to help so that I could take up the offer, it was easy to book the break, the hotel staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. I enjoyed the walks we took and we went out for a meal, something we haven't done for years. Having a cooked breakfast was brilliant, another thing we hadn't done for years. My caring role has been so much better since our break, I have a different mind set and more energy than before, I was feeling down and this break has left me energised and much more happier than I was. Thank you Carefree and Holiday Inn.

I was drained before I went away. It helped because I slept well which is what I needed. Thank you!