Give yourself a breather. Time and space to look after your own wellbeing.


The importance of a break

We know all too well how challenging a full-time caring role can be, so a few days away with a partner or a friend can work wonders. It may seem like a small thing but our experience shows us that it can make a huge difference. Read a book, go for a walk, or simply catch up on some sleep. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll return home with a whole new outlook on things, refreshed and rejuvenated.


How it works

There are hundreds of potential breaks away listed on Carefree’s Breaks Hub. After registering with us, unpaid carers can browse available options and submit a request for a specific hotel on specific dates. If available, a confirmation email will be sent to you and you’re all set to go!

If the break request is rejected, we’ll give you access again to the Breaks Hub and you can select a different option.

New hotels and dates are added all the time, so if you can’t quite find what you’re looking, check back in in a few weeks.

ACCOMMODATION
Our hotels donate 1-2 night breaks, plus breakfast where possible for a carer and their companion (adult or child). Twin or Double room.

We are currently seeking new partnerships for longer stays that will become available in due course.

COSTS
There is no charge for the accommodation, but you are responsible for all other costs (transport, food, travel insurance etc.) and there’s a £33 admin fee to help with the cost of operating our charity.

CARE-FREE
The short breaks initiative is designed to give you some time away from your caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for. If you want to travel alone, that’s fine too.

MAKING A BREAK REQUEST
After you have selected a break of your choice and paid the admin fee we will do a final booking confirmation check with the hotel. Occasionally a hotel will reject a booking request. When this happens we will let you know, and then you will be able to request another break.

ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for a break you must be:

  • Aged 18 or over
  • Full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)

Please note: in order to take a break with us, carers must be able to arrange interim care and pay for extras (admin fee, transport, food, travel insurance etc.)


Get registered!

See Carefree in action

Fred

I wouldn’t say you should do this, I would say you HAVE to do this. It’s detrimental to your health if you don’t have a break.

Fred
Unpaid carer

Jason

These breaks are so valuable. We do this because we love the people we care for but you’re no good to anybody if you’re broken.

Jason
Unpaid carer

Susan

A whole weight was lifted off my shoulders. It felt like freedom.

Susan
Unpaid carer

Carolyn

This is the best break I’ve ever had. I’m so much happier. It’s a wonderful, wonderful idea.

Carolyn
Unpaid carer

Susan

Being free of caring responsibilities for a few days has been hugely restorative. I was really struggling but I have come home feeling much more positive about everything.

Nicki
Unpaid carer

Sandra

Your world is so narrow when you are a carer, so it was wonderful to have space and freedom. It’s made me feel more balanced again, more human.

Sandra
Unpaid carer

Don

It wasn’t until we had our break that I realised just how much my mental and physical health had deteriorated. The break was a life-saver.

Don
Unpaid carer

Claire

Go for it. It does take planning but it is 100% worth it. We couldn’t be more grateful.

Claire
Unpaid carer

Don

You have to look after yourself before you can look after someone else and I think I had lost sight of that.

Phil
Unpaid carer

Don

I wish I could rewind life and go back to that weekend.

Kaffion
Unpaid carer