50 for Free 2024

In 2024, 296 charity service users, volunteers and support staff took part in 50 for Free. Many participants told us that their stay had a big impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. Here is a selection of last year's 50 stays. 

Aspiration, Creation, Elevation

Stayed at Silverton Park Stables, Devon

'Participants had a relaxing, fun and engaging stay. They learned a lot and made new social connections. This was the first time most of them had experienced a countryside stay of this nature. We spent most of our stay delivering employment and personal workshops to our cohort of young people.' ACE team member

Aspiration Creation Elevation based in Bristol, gives disadvantaged young people the chance to develop and creatively express themselves through music, role-model guidance and inspirational experiences.

Vision of Adventure

Stayed at Howthwaite, Cumbria

'I got to experience activities, I would not otherwise have access to as a blind person, including hillwalking, running, some rock scrambling, and therefore benefited physically and mentally from this [stay]. I came away feeling inspired to do more and I felt that my confidence as a VI (visually impaired) person greatly improved.'
Dee Jones, VoA participant

Vision of Adventure, Cumbria, reduces isolation and loneliness in otherwise able-bodied, visually impaired adults by bringing them together for adventurous activities.

 

The Rosemary Foundation

Stayed at Belmont, Dorset

'Myself and three [palliative care nurse] colleagues were able to switch off from work completely and relax and reflect on the care and support we recently gave a dear colleague and friend, while she was going through cancer treatment. We also supported her and her family while she was dying. We were able to reminisce on the memories we all shared. Her family met us in Lyme Regis which coincided with being their first Mother’s Day without her. Such a special weekend.'

The Rosemary Foundation, Sussex, provides nurse-led care for patients and support for carers, in their own home as life draws to a close.

Safe Foundation

Stayed at Old Light Lower, Lundy

'From the moment we took off in the helicopter to the moment we landed, we felt completely stress free. The atmosphere on Lundy felt unique. Being able to switch off so completely was amazing and we came back feeling completely rested and rejuvenated. Everyone we spoke to was passionate about Lundy and also sharing tips and hints on what to see and where to go to see wildlife.' Safe Foundation participant

SAFE Foundation, Devon provides intensive psychotherapeutic support to enable survivors of domestic abuse and trauma to recover from their experiences.

AzuKo

Silverton Park Stables, Devon

'It’s amazing. I really love the courtyard space, it’s beautiful. I love the site as well. How it’s off grid. I’m from London, it’s so busy, so hectic… Here there’s no wifi, it allows you to connect with real life stuff. It still has the feeling of a stable, a feeling of the original building, but in a way that’s really comfortable.' Bihi, AzuKo participant

AzuKo, based in London, works to end housing poverty in UK and Bangladesh. They believe that everyone deserves a safe, clean and dignified place to call home.

Building Self Belief

Old Place of Monreith, Portwilliam

'We loved the peace and tranquillity in a stunning historic building. It was a unique experience and a fabulous way to say thank you to our volunteers. We think the 50 for Free is a wonderful initiative and a lovely way to give something back to charitable organisations that do so much good work.' Christine Thomas, Building Self Belief

Building Self-Belief CIO  core aim is to build stronger communities by measurably improving the mental health and life chances of vulnerable young people, across socio-economically deprived areas of the North East.

Action for Neurodiversity

Stayed at Alton Station, Staffordshire

'Our stay gave autistic adults with social interaction and communication difficulties the chance to mix and mingle safely and securely. The support dogs we were allowed to take brought great comfort to the group.' Action for Neurodiversity team member

Action for Neurodiversity, Northamptonshire, offers autism-specialist counselling for those living with, and those living alongside autism and Asperger's syndrome.

Sefton Young Carers

Stayed at Dolbelydr, North Wales

'I was able to relax in the bath and take all the time I needed, I can't do that at home.'

'The young carers enjoyed the opportunity to explore the local area - surrounding towns with lots of things to do for young people. We really enjoyed the stay it was very much appreciated. We can't fault the property, it was spotless and great amenities.'

Sefton Young Carers provides young carers with personalised support plans, opportunities for respite from their caring role and the chance to socialise with other young carers who are facing similar challenges.

Betknowmore

Stayed at Goddards, Surrey

'A once-in-a lifetime stay in the most beautiful, magical house I have ever visited; Goddards is like stepping into another world in the most wonderful way.' Betknowmore participant

Betknowmore UK is a UK charity helping people take control of their life back from gambling.

The Restoration Trust

Stayed at Cavendish Hall, Suffolk

'Staying overnight away from home is an incredible achievement for our participants. In some cases, participants need cover for their caring responsibilities, they may be very anxious about unfamiliarity, new spaces are challenging because of disability. Overcoming these barriers in a beautiful, interesting place has long term impact on individuals, and on us as an organisation.'
Laura Drysdale, Director, Restoration Trust

The Restoration Trust initiates projects that connect people who live with mental health issues with heritage, archaeology, ancient landscapes, historic places and archives.

Kintyre Link Club

Stayed at Saddell House, Argyll

'Our group were able to have some quality time away together, we laughed, we walked, we explored and we enjoyed each other's company making memories and building on friendships. Being able to get away for just a short time means so much to our members, and they always come away feeling refreshed and relaxed after a weekend at Saddell House.'
Tracey Chambers, Kintyre Link Club

Kintyre Link Club, Argyll, Scotland, is a support group ran by members for members and their families who suffer from poor mental health.

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