The Carefree team standing outside in the sunshine
This is what Carefree looks like in the sunshine. ☀️
We don't often get the whole team together in one place, some of us are spread across the UK, some even further afield, so when we do, it means a lot.
"I came home so much more relaxed than before I went. It really made a difference."
That's just one of the incredible things carers said after their Carefree break this month. 💙 Read more on our blog!
carefreespace.org/the-notebook...
A testimonial for Carefree that reads: The rooms were comfy and clean, the food was good, and the spa treatments were unreal. I feel so lucky to have Carefree, this break gave me happiness and made me feel truly worthy. I'm really looking forward to another break later in the year. I loved, loved, loved it!
Loved. Loved. LOVED. That's how this week's carer felt about their Carefree break at Belton Woods (Part of The QHotels Collection), and we're here for it. Happy Testimonial Tuesday!
A testimonial that reads: I’ve now had three Carefree breaks and each one has boosted my confidence, from eating pot noodles in my room on the first break, to eating alone in Kirkgate Market, to eating in a restaurant by myself on this last break. I’m so grateful for what these breaks have done for me. - Elizabeth, an unpaid carer who stayed at The Queens Hotel.
We have another testimonial to share! Remember that if you provide 30+ hours of unpaid care you too can take 2 breaks a year with us! Just sign up using the link here 👉 carefreespace.org/register
We're a Smiley Awards finalist!
We're so grateful to everyone who has already voted, it means the world. Now we need your help to win the People's Choice Award!
Click the link below to vote for the story of Michael Platt, a 76-year-old carer from Bolton
smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/michae...
A carer's journey across 3 @carefreespace.bsky.social breaks:
Break 1: Pot noodles alone in the hotel room.
Break 2: Bought food at a market. Sat outside.
Break 3: Ate alone in a restaurant like it was nothing.
That's not a hotel stay. That's someone rebuilding confidence to exist in the world ❤️
A blog header that says: Am I an unpaid carer? There is a photo of a carer helping an elderly man
You might call it "just being there." You might see it as simply being a devoted partner, a supportive friend, or a good child. But if someone’s daily life depends on your help, there is another name for what you do: unpaid carer.
carefreespace.org/the-notebook...
Big news! 🏨✨We’re officially checking in with a brand-new hotel partner!
We are beyond excited to announce that McKeever Hotels has joined Carefree as our newest Breakmaker! They’ve donated 6 incredible hotels to help us provide even more essential breaks for unpaid carers.
Our CEO was on BBC World Service talking about who cares for the carers. The moment that hit me hardest was when Hannah (unpaid carer since 16) said she'd forgotten how to have fun 💔 Our @carefreespace.bsky.social breaks change that.
bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct6xyy
#UnpaidCarers #SocialImpact
Huge news! We’re thrilled to share that Carefree has received a £30,000 unrestricted grant from the @westonfdn.bsky.social. This funding goes directly toward our core operating costs, providing the vital stability we need to continue gifting 1-2 night hotel breaks to unpaid carers across the UK.
There's still time to vote for us in the Smiley Awards! You have until 6th February to share the story of Michael, a 76 year old carer from Bolton.
smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/michae...
A testimonial that reads: I chose to stay at the Aberdeen village hotel so I could spend some quality me time to chill and relax. Also to spend some quality time with my brother who lives in Aberdeen with his family, both of which I achieved. Thank you so very much to Carefree for this break. I am truly grateful. The hotel was fabulous and the staff very pleasant and helpful. I took time out in the pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room." From Fiona an unpaid carer who stayed at Village Aberdeen
Time for another testimonial! This time, it's from Fiona who stayed at Village Aberdeen. If you provide 30+ hours of unpaid care, you can take two breaks with us per year! Just sign up below to browse our available breaks:
carefreespace.org/register
A pink background with Barnwood x Carefree written on it
We’re so pleased to announce that the Barnwood Trust in Gloucestershire has awarded us a grant! This will help us to support even more carers within the area to get access to a well-deserved hotel break.
A poster asking to vote for Carefree in the Smiley Charity Awards
Vote for us in the Smiley Film Awards! We’re counting on you to share the story of Michael Platt, a 76-year-old carer from Bolton. Our film dives into his raw experiences as an unpaid carer and how a simple 1-2 night stay away can be life-changing.
smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/michae...
A Carefree testimonial that reads: This break was so greatly appreciated. The past year has had many challenges, which meant I haven’t had much spare time to focus on being me. The two-day break gave me the opportunity to relax. The hotel I stayed at was good, the room was clean, and the bed was comfortable. Having breakfast included and cooked for me on both mornings was a rare treat, and the standard of the food was excellent. Thank you.
It's Testimonial Tuesday again! This time, we're hearing from Irene who stayed at The Great Western Hotel, part of Bespoke Hotels.
If you provide 30+ hours of unpaid care, you can register with us for a break! Sign up here: carefreespace.org/register
The story of carer Gabrielle Warner and her hotel stay with Carefree!
www.dailystar.co.uk/real-life/i-...
A poster asking to vote for Carefree in the Smiley Charity Awards
Vote for us in the Smiley Film Awards! We’re counting on you to share the story of Michael Platt, a 76-year-old carer from Bolton. Our film dives into his raw experiences as an unpaid carer and how a simple 1-2 night stay away can be life-changing.
smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/michae...
A Carefree testimonial that reads: 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 together as a couple, rather than constantly being in fight-or-flight mode in our caring roles.
It's our first testimonial of 2026! ✨ We can't wait to share more amazing carer stories that we hear over the year.
Remember, if you provide 30+ hours of unpaid care per week you can register with us and book two breaks a year! Sign up below:
carefreespace.org/register
Happy (belated) new year everyone! The Carefree team is BACK and ready to jump into 2026 headfirst ✨
Watch this space for some exciting updates!
🎄 #HappyHolidays from Carefree! 🎄
From tomorrow, our team is taking a well-earned festive break and we'll be back and raring to go on 5th January! Can't wait to see you then!
Testimonial Tuesday time again! This week, we're sharing the uplifting words of Patsy, an unpaid carer who enjoyed a much-needed respite break at Chesford Grange
With the soaring cost of living, over half of the UK's unpaid carers are having to cut back on essentials like food and heating. Despite saving the economy over £184 billion a year by it can still be a struggle to try and make ends meet, let alone find time to take crucial respite care.
Today is Carers Rights Day! There's an invisible backbone helping to hold society together: unpaid carers, people who are providing over 80% of home care in the UK while often putting their own health and wellbeing on hold.
carefreespace.org/the-notebook...
"I haven't had a holiday in over 21 years and his break meant the world to me. I can't even explain how wonderful it made me feel. The hotel and staff were very nice and the food wasn't just lovely, I didn't have to clean up or wash the dishes. How wonderful to not feel guilty about such things!"
A testimonial for carefree that reads "Norton Park Hotel was such a lovely break away where my husband and myself could just relax and spend time together without being on caring duties. We love our daughter unconditionally but it was so nice to have some much-needed rest and relaxation." by Clair, an unpaid carer who stayed at Norton Park Hotel
🌟 Testimonial Tuesday is here! We're delighted to feature Clair, an unpaid carer who found a truly relaxing escape during her stay at the beautiful Norton Park Hotel. Hearing how much our breaks help carers recharge is what it's all about. Stay tuned, we have many more stories coming soon!
A poster than says: Thank you Greene King for being a Carefree breakmaker
We're raising a glass to one of our incredible Carefree Breakmakers, Greene King! Since 2023, they've donated over 400 hotel breaks, creating vital opportunities for unpaid carers to take a well-earned rest. That's over 400 moments of peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation made possible!
text reads: The break was important to myself and my husband as it gave us time to relax. The hotel was extremely helpful and included extra breakfast with a complimentary note in our room, which made the experience very special.
✨ It's Testimonial Tuesday time! Today, we're hearing from Wendy, a carer who had a relaxing time at the St. Giles Hotel. We always love to hear about the experiences of the carers who take their well-earned breaks and we have PLENTY more to share in the coming weeks! Keep your eyes peeled 👀
What is carer burnout banner with an image of a woman caring for her eldery father
Caring for a loved one is invaluable work, but has many emotional and physical demands, often leading to burnout.
In this blog, we’ll go over its common symptoms, ways to alleviate them and how they could be folded into an existing care plan.
carefreespace.org/the-notebook...
It's Testimonial Tuesday time again! Meet Stephanie. As an unpaid carer, finding time for herself is a constant challenge. This week, we're sharing her experience of getting a break at The Elvetham (Axiom Hotels).
#Unpaidcarers #ChangeHappensOvernight #Caring #Carefree
We're back again with another ✨Testimonial Tuesday!✨ Today we're hearing from Ellen, a carer who stayed at the Queens Hotel (part of Axiom Hospitality)