When caring for a loved-one, it can be hard to step away. While taking care of someone else’s needs, your own wellbeing can quickly fall to the bottom of the list. Taking breaks and finding respite are not selfish, but necessary, and can make you an even better carer. Jenny Ambroise, a member of Islington Carers Hub, shared her experience of getting a short caring break through Carefree.
Jenny cares for her 26-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with mental health psychosis in 2020. For the past six years, Jenny has been a full-time carer, taking care of things like cooking, cleaning, and other daily living support, as well as emotionally supporting her daughter, managing difficult behaviors during episodes and monitoring her daughter’s safety.
In the beginning, Jenny found caring for her daughter very difficult to manage. “I remember when I started, I was just focused on my daughter,” she said. “I was not even thinking of myself and I lost a lot of weight as well, because I was not looking after myself.”
Over time, Jenny gained strategies to make caring easier. She gained knowledge about her daughter’s condition, picked up new skills and, crucially, she learned the importance of looking after herself.
She shared, “I need to look after myself because to be a carer, you must be fit yourself.” She joined Islington Carers Hub, where she connects with other carers going through similar experiences. Jenny regularly attends Islington Carers Hub monthly carers for carers meetings, Park Theatre outings and other events and activities.
“It’s very helpful for me,” Jenny said when describing how the events give her the opportunity to speak to other carers who understand what she’s going through.
Through Carers Hub, Jenny also learned about Carefree, a service that provides a 1-2 night break in a hotel or holiday cottage for a carer and a companion. Carers can browse available stays online and choose something that suits their schedule.
Since discovering the service, Jenny has taken multiple breaks. Most recently, she took a two-night trip to Stratford. “It was beautiful,” she says. “Everything was ready, I just gave them my name.” With the overnight stay taken care of, Jenny could focus entirely on herself. She spent the trip enjoying peaceful activities like morning walks, swimming and exploring the town. “When I go, I don’t take my phone,” she explained. “It’s time for meditation, time for myself.”
When Jenny returns home from a Carefree break, she feels extremely rejuvenated and recharged. “I feel very relaxed, stress-free,” she said. That sense of renewal carries into her caring role. Like someone returning to work after a refreshing weekend, Jenny comes back with more patience and energy to put into her caring. “On Monday, you are going back to work fresh,” she said.
Jenny recommended Carefree to all carers. “Try it, you will love it,” she said. “There are different choices and different times, it’s something that suits anyone.”
Looking for a break?
If Jenny’s story resonates with you, you’re not alone and support is out there. Carefree helps unpaid carers take short breaks by turning unused hotel rooms into much-needed time away. To be eligible, you need to be an unpaid carer aged 18+, and able to arrange cover while you’re away. While the accommodation itself is provided at no cost, carers need to cover things like travel, food and a small admin fee.
Learn more by visiting the Carefree website or get in touch with Islington Carers Hub – 020 7281 3319, info@islingtoncarershub.org or add your details to the Contact Us form.
