Wall of Love

I am incredibly grateful to Carefree for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful two-night break in Oban. This past year has been extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally. Alongside being an unpaid carer for my dad, I’ve experienced a divorce, sold my marital home and undergone major surgery. My mental health has suffered, and I hadn’t realised just how desperately I needed some time for myself. I made the most of every moment! I enjoyed a boat trip, a wander around the shops and treated myself to a new jacket, I watched a beautiful sunset with a glass of wine and attended a fantastic comedy show right beside the hotel. For once, I could switch off from my caring responsibilities, relax and simply enjoy being me again. I returned home feeling refreshed, revitalised and emotionally recharged. This was so much more than a weekend away. It reminded me that my own happiness and wellbeing matter too. Thank you, Carefree, for giving me something truly priceless… time to look after myself. The difference those two nights have made to me is incredible. Zoe x

I had a lovely break and treated ourselves to spa treatments which made me feel really pampered and relaxed. The hotel had a nice relaxing environment and it was lovely to treat ourselves to dinner whilst there.

I really appreciated the time away with my husband - thank you so much! It was something to look forward to and felt relaxed. The hotel staff were welcoming and made us feel like valued guests. Again, I wish you to thank both Carefree and Westerwood Hotel for our complimentary stay and extend a thank you also to Renfrewshire Carers Centre.

It was nice to have some me time. I could put myself first without having to worry about my husband. It let me connect better with my daughter and also let her have a break from helping with caring. The room was lovely and the staff we dealt with were very nice. Nothing was a bother to them.

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.

This was so important for me to take a break from my caring role, and it has really given me a positive mindset on how to also care for myself too, with a break, even if it's just a day.

This was my first time staying in Dundee, and the hotel was amazing - great location, yummy breakfast and rooms were spacious, and beds were very comfortable. I really benefited from 2 nights away from my caring role and really enjoyed the break to recharge my batteries. Having the opportunity to be gifted these breaks allows me to continue in my caring role for my dad, as I have something to look forward to. Can you please thank the hotel for their generosity of this break, as I have loved every minute of my break in Dundee. This break allows me to prioritise myself for a couple of days, and I have come home well rested and ready to look after my dad again, who I love dearly.

This break has been very important to me as it was the first time I got a chance to spend some time with my husband without the kids since we became parents 13 years ago. Thanks to Carefree, our family understood that the break from being a carer is important, even a short one, and it has a positive impact on our mental health. Hopefully, they will help out regularly in the future. The hotel was amazing, and all the staff were so kind and helpful. The food in the restaurant was delicious. Thank you so much!

I appreciated my break from Carefree so much. I got to go away with my sister to a spa hotel for the night. It felt like a longer holiday, and we both came away refreshed, feeling more like ourselves and more prepared for looking after my son with autism.

I found the previous 3 weeks very difficult as my mother was in hospital for 8 days, I needed the night away with my daughter as we relaxed in the spa, I had a good night's undisturbed sleep and a lovely big breakfast. It was very relaxing, and I felt recharged.

It was wonderful to be able to switch off, knowing someone else was keeping my parents safe, and that I didn’t have to check on them or spend face-to-face time with them. It gave my husband and me precious time for ourselves. We are so grateful for Carefree Breaks being there for carers and genuinely wanting to support us.

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.

It was important to me just to have a little time with my own thoughts and to think of myself for a day or two. I came back a little more ready to deal with everyday life and a little more rested. I want to say a massive thank you to the hotel — all the staff were very nice, the food was amazing, and it was just a lovely place to be.

I felt exhausted and drained especially in the build up to Christmas. The break allowed me to take time out overnight to just relax and recharge.

It gave me a break that I needed away from everything as Patrick doesn't get education, he’s with me 24/7 which doesn't bother me, but was good to get a break.

I had a wonderful time at the Carnoustie Golf & Spa Hotel. It was a much needed break!! The hotel and staff were amazing!! Amy on reception was lovely and friendly. Luxury room with comfortable beds. I would recommend this hotel. Fantastic!!

Loch Linnhe was straight across from the hotel; the view was spectacular. The staff were all lovely and helpful. The food was amazing. We loved Fort William and visited Glencoe too. The best part was dipping my feet in a stream at the foot of Ben Nevis, and spending quality time away with my daughter was amazing. Thank you so much.

Beautiful hotel (Stonefield castle, Argyll), incredible staff, amazing scenery, lovely room - felt so looked after and able to switch off and relax, even though I had to take work with me. I felt so comfortable and looked after.

My break was important to me because I took a break outwith my everyday routine. It was nice to take a step outside everything and just enjoy my surroundings

It was so important for me to get a break. I juggle my caring role with work responsibilities and I mainly work at home. This means me and my cared-for person are constantly in each others' company and it can feel overwhelming which has led to a breakdown in our relationship in the past. This break let me destress and recharge my batteries before that relationship break down. I feel more relaxed and able to cope better with the responsibilities I have in my caring role. The hotel was great - staff were so friendly and helpful and the location was fantastic. Will definitely go back there again.

Being able to relax, and have some me time was really good. The hotel as excellent, very clean, and booking was very easy. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to use it.

I chose the hotel in an area where one of my daughters lived in. We had a wonderful time visiting different places with no worrying about anything . The hotel was lovely, as were the staff. Restful sleep and breakfast in the morning. I also got the chance to meet my new grandson for the first time. Just perfect!!

I was very tired and struggling, as I'm up and down through the night with my husband. Carefree is an absolute lifesaver, as I wouldn’t be able to afford time away otherwise. I went to Stranraer, and my daughter came with me - she drove, so from the minute I left the house, I was able to relax. It was lovely. We stayed at the Sea View Hotel, and the staff were fantastic. We saw seals and sat by the beach; it was so beautiful and relaxing. Carefree, I thank you with all my heart for this opportunity to get a break. The staff were amazing, and it was very clean. This trip has recharged my batteries. Thank you for everything you do for people - I’m so very, very grateful.

My break made me feel like a person in my own right. I could make personal choices and just be me. It was bliss.

Through Carefree I was able to book a 2 night break in Edinburgh for myself and a friend with breakfast included. I am the main carer for my brother who lives with me and has a learning disability and autism. As well as caring for my brother, I hold down a full-time job, so don't really get much time for myself. So this break was very much needed! I really enjoyed my break, the hotel was lovely and the staff really attentive and welcoming. It was great to spend time with my friend, who I don't get to see too often, we did a bit of shopping, had some lovely walks, enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the Dome (which my friend treated me to) and chilled out back at the hotel with a few self-care treatments. It felt quite good to be me again for a little while! I came home from my break feeling refreshed and less stressed. Caring for loved ones can be like a full-time job and lonely and isolating for the carer at times, so the opportunity to get a break away and spend time with friends can be so uplifting. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and would like to extend my thanks to Carefree, all the Carers Centres who support Carers and their loved ones, and the hotels that provide these breaks. Thank you so much again, I had a wonderful time during my break and I am ready to face the world again!

This is the first chance i have had to take a break away from my caring responsibilities for my son and have quality relaxing mum and daughter time. We both felt relaxed and refreshed from our chilled night away thanks

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!

I went to Edinburgh for a few days and was so relaxed as I didn't feel rushed. I was able to go at my own pace. Do some Christmas shopping. Also go and visit the Christmas market and enjoy the atmosphere. So glad I went because I did have a wobble and thought I better not for a minute.

It helped me feel more refreshed and be happy to return home after a little reenergising break to take time out and do some self care.

The break was just what I needed, my body and my mind were refreshed it was good to turn off my phone and forget about my cared-for persons. It gave me time to reflect on what role I actually play in their lives and what changes I need to make going forward. I just want to thank you for my break.

All I can say is a heartfelt thank you to Carefree and the Hotel . The break was like medicine for me I had the chance to relax and remember what it felt like to be actually carefree and that is priceless . I feel energised and have recharged my batteries mentally, physically and emotionally. I have reminded myself that I am not superhuman and having this break provided me the opportunity to relax and recharge, it was amazing . Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx

Thank you so much for a lovely relaxing night away! We tied it in with our wedding anniversary and managed to arrange a (rare!!) overnight babysitter for the kids (thanks Mum & Dad). The hotel spa/pool area was great 😊

My daughter and myself had a chance to recharge our batteries before my son's wedding. The hotel was lovely and breakfast was amazing. Thank you so much.

It was an extremely well needed break for my partner and I. It gave me the chance to rewind and relax. I made no plans and stayed in the hotel the whole time, making use of the relaxing leisure facilities and spa. Thank you so much, you don’t know how much this means to me.

This break came at the right time as I was shattered and my mood was very low. Since my break with my sister I felt really relaxed and energised xx

I’d never have thought to go into Edinburgh for a break, and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I would never have been able to afford this on my budget, and I wouldn’t have spent this much money on myself. I can’t wait for next year’s break. It’s good to be able to book in advance so I can arrange carers.

You guys should be so proud of what you do for people that care for people. You just don't know how much a break means to people who work hard every day and night and can't afford it. When away I realise how much I needed a break. I can't thank you enough for it. Carefree are definitely the best. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart

I just loved being treated with dignity and respect. The staff at the hotel were lovely. Thank you very much.

I want to thank all the team at Carefree for all the hard work they do to help unpaid carers. This is an amazing experience for everyone. Thanks x

A chance to relax and spend time with husband - excellent.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, I will definitely pass this onto my friends who are also carers! Looking forward to the next break already! :-)

Being able to relax and have chill out time without feeling the pressures of everyday life and not having to run about after my children was amazing. The hotel was fabulous too, and I would highly recommend.

Great stay from start to finish. I loved every minute. Thank you so much.

Thank You for this opportunity to take a much needed break. I did not realise how isolated I had let myself get until I got to spend quality time with my niece. We had a great time catching up and feeling like a couple of tourist in Edinburgh. The hotel was lovely and the staff were helpful.

Thank goodness for the extended support.

I enjoyed having some time for myself and being able to recharge my batteries.

My stay at Stonefield Castle was beautiful and very much appreciated. It was amazing to have a full night's sleep, dinner and breakfast brought to me. The Carefree rest was fantastic. I'd never heard of it before but, my lord, I really appreciated.

I felt really relaxed after this short break. It was really nice to have some time for myself and a wee break from my caring duties.