Carefree Reports Record-Breaking Start to 2025: 500 Booking Requests in First 7 Days
Carefree Reports Record-Breaking Start to 2025: 500 Booking Requests in First 7 Days
9 January 2025
Charity Carefree, which transforms unused hotel rooms into vital breaks for unpaid carers, has recorded an extraordinary surge in demand during the first week of 2025. Between the 2nd and 9th January, Carefree received 500 booking requests, with over 275 breaks already delivered.
This record-breaking demand reflects the heightened need for respite among unpaid carers following the pressures of the Christmas season. For many, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time, intensifying the physical and emotional strain of caring for loved ones. Carefree’s services have provided these individuals with the opportunity to reset, recharge, and begin the New Year on a stronger footing.
A Milestone for Carer Support
The latest figures come on the heels of Carefree’s recent milestone, marking over 12,000 breaks delivered since the charity’s inception. These numbers underline the critical need for accessible respite breaks for unpaid carers, who form the invisible backbone of the UK’s healthcare system.
The surge in early January bookings saw the highest demand coming from the North West of England, followed by Scotland and the South East.
Supporting the Backbone of UK Healthcare
Every week, approximately 1 million hotel rooms go unused in the UK. Carefree partners with the hotel industry to donate this surplus capacity, offering carers a much-needed break at no additional cost to the public purse. Eligible carers, who provide over 30 hours of unpaid care per week, can book 1-2 night stays at any of the 200 hotels on Carefree’s platform for a small admin fee of £33.
With 75% of Carefree’s users reporting they hadn’t had a break in over a year, and 88% stating they couldn’t have taken a break without the charity, the impact of this initiative is undeniable.
A Vital Lifeline for Families
Unpaid carers provide 80% of home care in the UK, saving the public purse an estimated £162 billion annually—equivalent to the entire NHS budget. Yet, these individuals are often overlooked, with limited recognition or support for their essential role.
Carefree’s work is helping to address this imbalance, one break at a time. By supporting carers with the opportunity to step away from their responsibilities, even briefly, the charity is taking vital steps toward building a more sustainable and compassionate healthcare system.
For more information, interviews with Carefree’s CEO, or access to case studies of carers who have benefited from these breaks, please contact: Adele@woodthorpecomms.com 07702212191