Wall of Love

I think without this kind offer I would not have taken a break away with my husband, so I am really grateful for the encouragement to do so because it was more needed than I thought. It was great to get some space and time away to be together and not feel the constant burden of the presence of the one we care for.

A fantastic break which left me feeling refreshed. I have stayed at The Elevetham before with Carefree, and they are wonderful. It’s somewhere I could never dream of staying without this valuable service. The staff are always so welcoming and attentive. This service is so vital to me to reset after burnout.

It gave me and my husband quality time together without having to worry about our caring responsibilities. It gives carers the opportunity to recharge and be themselves rather than just be someone's carer. The hotel was amazing with great facilities, and we are more than happy to recommend it to friends and family.

It meant a lot to me to be able to get away for a night. I could spend time without stress and worry and start to rebuild after a very difficult period. The hotel (the Hilton in Cardiff) was perfect, with everything I needed and lovely staff. Thank you to them and to Carefree for this break. I cannot thank you enough.

The break came at a really critical time when I was exhausted both physically and mentally and emotionally and it was especially good to get some time away with my husband as our relationship comes under strain due to our caring roles.

I was feeling very tired and finding caring for my wife 24/7 quite tiring. This break let me go away and meet an old friend I had not seen for over a year. We had a relaxing two days - good food, excellent service, went walking, and generally had a good catch-up and an “oldies” moan and groan about the world (hehe), with a few drinks and excellent food. So this was a really refreshing break for me and made me realise what a bit of freedom away from the house is like. Thank you, Carefree- this is really appreciated. The hotel looked after us so well.

First break away from our son in a few years. Difficult to organise support for him, but a family member kindly stepped in and offered to help, and it worked out well. We chose somewhere quite close to home so we could be available if needed, but fortunately we were not called on and it has given us confidence to arrange future breaks. The hotel was lovely, with a comfortable clean room, and very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast was excellent with lots of choice. We felt looked after; it gave us time to think about ourselves, and we both feel refreshed. Thank you.

I needed a break urgently from my caring role. I felt relaxed and free to enjoy time doing what I wanted. The hotel staff were amazing lovely and kind. Nothing was too much trouble. I would love to return next year. Thank you.

The break was very important to us as it validated our need to do something for ourselves, it allowed us to break free for a couple of days.

It was great to not have to do anything for anyone else for 2 days!! The hotel was near an amazing country walk with incredible views of the town and surrounding areas. Loved it!

Thank you so much for the break. It’s hard for anyone not caring to understand, but the weight lifted when you set off is amazing—feeling free and not controlled by your caring responsibilities and the disruptions they can cause while trying to focus on daily activities. The last time we had time away was through Carefree early last year. This break was so important to us that I even turned down surgery because I felt we needed it so much. The hotel was lovely, and I would definitely recommend it. Thank you all once again

My wife and I really enjoyed the break, we were able to switch off for a couple of days and just concentrate on us. All the staff at the hotel couldn't have been more helpful, they were polite, and considerate, and wanted to make our stay with them as enjoyable as possible. Hats off too Greene King for being part of this scheme. A Big Thank you.

My break away was like a breath of fresh air. I feel recharged to carry on my caring role. Without this help from Carefree and the hotel, I would not be able to afford a much-needed break at all. The Royal National Hotel in London was absolutely marvellous, and I am so thankful to them too!

The hotel I booked was clean and had excellent staff. The views were spectacular, and the food was good. The room was ideal, and I shared it with an old friend who traveled up from Devon. We had an excellent catch-up and visited some lovely places around Cheltenham and Winchcombe. I felt really refreshed even after a full day and two nights. Thank you Carefree for letting me have this break and getting these hotels to offer the deals they do for carers.

I had an amazing time. I was able to refocus and re-energize and just take time off for myself, going for a walk, reading a book. I was able to rest, and then I was able to have quality time with my loved one rather than 'quantity time'. The time away had given me clarity on things that were important in my life. At work it helped me to focus, better professional relationships and also personal relationships with other family members, including the person I care for. I would definitely recommend Carefree to my friends and family and people that I meet, thank you!

The hotel were amazing and upgraded our room because it was a respite break. I felt appreciated and it was great to have been acknowledged instead of feeling invisible. The break has made such a difference to my mood and my ability to cope with my home situation.

Hotel and staff were excellent. I could just be me!

Time to relax and feel cared for. Nice to have a treat provided and to feel valued for that. It was nice to be looked after in a hotel. I really appreciated the break.

Just amazing to be able to have this experience. I was able to turn off multiple alarms. Thank you :)

Firstly the staff at Carefree were amazing, helpful and reassuring. The hotel staff were lovely with no judgement of us having booked through a charity. I felt treated valued. This break was so needed. I wish I could do more in one year. Thank you.

Freedom to enjoy “our” time. The break was not too distant, but it was a really enjoyable change of scene with good clean, friendly hotel within walking distance and bus to key places.

I am so grateful for the time away. It could not have come at a better time for me.

I'm so grateful for to be able to stay somewhere easy to get to, and that would normally be so outside of my means to fund myself.

The hotel was amazing with great facilities and for the first time in a while I felt like I had my own identity. I enjoyed the facilities and the food and have returned home feeling rested and rejuvenated. Thanks for showing Carers they matter.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the hotel was great, thank you!

I can't thank you enough for that time to not have to think about anyone else needs.

The opportunity to take my partner, who is less involved in the caring but very affected was amazing.

Experiencing a new city and just being able to fully relax was lovely.