A ground-breaking initiative is offering free hotel stays to the UK’s unpaid carers, giving them a rare opportunity to rest and recharge.
A London-based charity is offering a lifeline to the nation’s unpaid carers by transforming empty hotel rooms into short restorative breaks. With thousands of hotel rooms left vacant each week across the UK, Carefree is putting them to good use – and giving exhausted carers a well-deserved pause.
In partnership with top hotel brands including Radisson Blu, Nobu, and Axiom Hospitality, Carefree provides complimentary overnight stays for those who devote their lives to caring for loved ones, often without formal support or recognition.
A Rare Respite for Full-Time Carers
One of the many beneficiaries of the scheme is 27-year-old Gabrielle Warner, a full-time carer to her seven-year-old son Arlo, who has autism, a severe speech delay, and sensory processing challenges. Like many in her situation, Gabrielle hadn’t had a proper break since Arlo was just three.
“My journey as a carer has been incredibly tough,” she said. “Trying to navigate autism alone is overwhelming. There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty.”
Gabrielle gave up her dream of working as a cabin crew when Arlo suddenly stopped eating and speaking as a toddler.
“He used to babble constantly, then suddenly went silent. It was terrifying,” she recalled. “At one point, he stopped eating entirely for a week. The doctors reassured me, saying no child would starve themselves – but he did.”
The Hidden Workforce Powering UK Social Care
Across London and the wider UK, unpaid carers like Gabrielle form the backbone of the nation’s care system. These individuals provide 30 hours or more of care each week, often without any formal compensation.
According to Carefree, they deliver approximately 80% of all home care in the UK, saving the government an estimated £162 billion a year, which is equivalent to the entire NHS budget.
For Gabrielle, time off is a rare luxury. “Every part of our day is structured around Arlo’s needs,” she said. “Even before and after school, I’m on high alert – a small change can upset him deeply.”
Still, she says the choice to care for Arlo herself is deeply personal. “I know him better than anyone else. I’m the one who can truly help him navigate the world.”
How Carefree is Making a Difference
Carefree’s impact has been profound. According to their data:
- 75% of users hadn’t had a break in over a year before registering.
- 88% reported they wouldn’t have been able to take any time off without the charity’s support.
Gabrielle found Carefree during one of her lowest points – after losing her grandmother and just before Christmas. “We really needed time to reconnect, not just as parents but as individuals,” she said.
Eligible carers – anyone aged 18 or over providing full-time unpaid care – can apply directly through Carefree’s website or via a local community partner. Successful applicants can access one- to two-night stays at one of the 200 participating hotels. While the hotel rooms are donated, a modest £33 administrative fee per booking helps support the charity’s running costs.
A Life-Changing Night Away
Gabrielle’s first stay was at the Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch. Initially, she struggled to unwind. “I was still in ‘mum mode’, checking locks out of habit because Arlo has run away before,” she said. “Then I realised – I didn’t need to do that here. For once, I could just breathe.”
Even a single night’s uninterrupted sleep had a powerful effect. “I felt like a new person – more energised, more focused, and more capable,” she said. “It gave me the strength to keep going, to support Arlo even better.”
Her message to other carers? Don’t feel guilty for taking a break. “You deserve it. When you return, you’ll be a better version of yourself – and a better carer, too.”
For more information on how to access breakthrough care, visit their official website or speak to your local support organisation.
