Gramercy Park Studios reposted this
"Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary." But when it isn't, how do you recharge? Where do you find peace? Change Happens Overnight launches today! Meet Alison: a mother and full-time carer to her middle-aged son, who lives with paranoid schizophrenia. Alison’s story is one of love, fear, strength and the transformative power of a break. It’s a reminder that even the strongest need a moment to breathe. Her journey launches our first ever media campaign: #ChangeHappensOvernight, a series of films spotlighting the lives of unpaid carers and the life-changing role of respite breaks. These films, directed by award-winning filmmaker Jason Smith highlight the emotional, physical and financial toll of being a carer — and show how just a short break can restore well-being and transform lives. These breaks are made possible via Carefree’s initiative, which transforms unsold hotel rooms into getaways for carers. Over the coming days, we’ll introduce you to four more inspiringly honest carers, each with their own unique story. 👉 Watch Alison’s story, and join us in spreading the word about the vital impact of respite breaks for unpaid carers. Our deepest thanks to the partners and creative teams who brought this campaign to life: Director Jason Smith, Carefree co-founder & Project Director James Ricketts, Presence (Production), Axiom Hospitality (Location and Hotel Partner), Hogarth (Post Production), Gramercy Park Studios (Post Production), John Ross (Music), Empower Agency (Social Media), Woodthorpe Comms (PR), Brad Smith, Alex Lewis, Adele Curran-Woodthorpe, Danny Fleet, Guy Smith. Together, we're striving in tandem with our growing #CarefreeBreakmaker community to build a world in which every carer can access a much-needed break. #ChangeHappensOvernight #unpaidcarers #respitebreaks #mentalhealthmatters #CarefreeBreakmakers
Beautiful film highlighting the under-reported work of unpaid carers... And Carefree's clever model to give carers access to vital free breaks. 👏🏻👏🏻
Very moving story. Alison articulates so well the love a parent can have for their child, against all odds.
Beautiful!! Congratulations on this amazing campaign which will hopefully raise visibility of both the problem and Carefree’s solution. ❤️🩹 Well done Charlotte Newman James Ricketts (hope you are well!) and Charlie Ricketts !! 👏👏
NED, Board advisor, Trustee
1moA very powerful message-respite is absolutely crucial for the wellbeing of carers. Carefreespace.org supported by our hotel partners is a creative solution to this problem, with no cost to the government. Please get in touch if you are a hotel company who can help.