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Every day, we encounter people who provide unpaid care. They could be family, friends, partners or neighbours, all supporting someone with health or care needs.
In Scotland alone, there are an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 unpaid carers, including young carers. These individuals face a wide range of challenges that can impact their health, finances, and overall wellbeing. ”How Carer Aware Are You?” is a podcast created to support the health, social care, and third sector workforce to work effectively with unpaid carers. Recognising their role as Equal Partners in Care.
Join us for insightful conversations with carers and professionals who share their real-life experiences, the joys and struggles of caring, and practical advice for integrating carer awareness into your everyday practice. We also explore the legislative landscape and tackle complex, sometimes uncomfortable, topics head-on.
Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and actionable tips. Visit our Caring for unpaid carers Turas Learn page for additional resources, including leaflets and tools to help you champion unpaid carers in your role. The How Carer Aware Are You? podcast is brought to you by the Unpaid Carers Programme.
©Public Services Delivery Scotland 2026. You can copy or reproduce the information in these podcasts for use within NHS Scotland and for non-commercial educational purposes under creative commons CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed | Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International | Creative commons. Use of this resource for commercial purposes is permitted only with the written permission of PSD Scotland.
How Carer Aware Are You?
A podcast by the Unpaid Carers Programme
Launched on Carers Rights Day – 20th November 2025, this podcast is for everyone working in health, social care, and the third sector. It’s about understanding how to work with Unpaid carers as Equal Partners in Care.
Unpaid carers are people who provide care without pay to someone who needs support—often family members, friends, partners, or neighbours of the individuals we work with every day.
Listen to our episodes and meet the PSD Scotland Unpaid Carers Programme team. Hear why we’re passionate about helping carers know and realise their rights. We’ll share practical advice to help you:
- Identify unpaid carers in your everyday work
- Include them in care planning and decision-making
- Support them in accessing the help they need
Join us to explore how carer awareness can transform your practice—and make a real difference.
🔔 Follow How Carer Aware Are You? now and be part of the change.
Episodes
Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
28 min
This episode of How Carer Aware Are You? explores the rights of unpaid carers in Scotland and why understanding carer legislation is essential for everyone working across health and social care. Michelle Morrison and Rachel Tainsh from Public Services Delivery Scotland are joined by Jaynie Mitchell from the Coalition of Carers in Scotland to discuss the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, including carers' rights to information and advice, Adult Carer Support Plans, support services, and involvement in hospital discharge planning.
Drawing on both professional and personal experience, Jaynie highlights the challenges many unpaid carers face, the importance of identifying and involving carers early, and the risks of making assumptions about families' ability to provide care. The conversation explores the vital contribution unpaid carers make to Scotland's health and care system, the gap between legislation and practice, and practical actions health and social care staff can take to identify, include and support carers more effectively.
A thought-provoking discussion that reinforces why recognising carers' rights is not just a legal duty, but a crucial part of delivering safe, person-centred care.
This podcast contains:
- Discussion about the impact caring responsibilities can have on individuals and families.
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a written transcript of the Jaynie Carers Rights episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
38 min
In this episode of How Carer Aware Are You?, host Rachel Tainsh explores how we can better support the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers—an often unseen but vital part of the care system. Joined by occupational therapists Ali Buchanan and Kirsteen Powell, the conversation highlights the East Lothian Occupational Therapy Carers Pathway, an innovative approach designed to help carers reconnect with what matters to them.
Together, they discuss the physical, emotional and social impact of caring, the importance of “occupational balance,” and how even small, meaningful changes can strengthen resilience and sustain caring relationships. With practical examples and insights for both carers and professionals, this episode emphasises a powerful message: supporting carers to care for themselves is essential for everyone.
This podcast contains:
- Discussion about the emotional and practical impacts of caring and stress and wellbeing challenges for unpaid carers.
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a written transcript of the The Oxygen Mask Principle: Why Carers Need Care Too episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Show notes:
East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’s Occupational Therapy carers’ pathway
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
10 min
What does caring look like when you live miles from the nearest service or even need a plane or ferry to access specialist care? In this episode, Rachel Tainsh is joined by Jaynie Mitchell from the Coalition of Carers in Scotland to explore the realities of unpaid carers living in remote, rural and island communities.
Together, they unpack the additional challenges carers face, from travel, time and rising costs to workforce shortages and limited flexibility in support. Through real-life examples, they highlight the importance of creative, person-centred approaches, recognising local contexts, and valuing community connections.
This episode offers practical insights for health and social care professionals, encouraging you to think differently about how you identify, support and advocate for unpaid carers wherever they live.
This podcast contains:
- Discussion of the challenges of unpaid caring, including financial pressures
- Discussion on access to services, and feelings of strain or isolation
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a written transcript of the How Carer Aware Are You? : The Realities of Caring in Remote, Rural and Island Communities episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Show notes:
Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
32 min
This episode of How Carer Aware Are You? shines a light on the real experiences of unpaid carers and the crucial role health and social care professionals play in identifying, involving, and supporting them. In this episode, Rachel Tainsh speaks with Joanne Gibson, an AHP educator and speech and language therapist, who reflects on her personal journey caring for her terminally ill mum alongside her professional experience supporting families and young children.
Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of unpaid caring, the pressures surrounding hospital discharge, and the transformative power of small, compassionate actions from professionals. Drawing on both adult and infant mental health perspectives, the conversation reveals how honest communication, listening with empathy, and collaborative practice can meaningfully improve the experiences of carers particularly parent carers navigating complex circumstances.
Grounded in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and the principles of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), this episode encourages practitioners to recognise carers early, involve them in decision‑making, inform them clearly, and record their contributions to ensure continuity of care.
A powerful, human, and practice‑focused episode for anyone committed to enhancing support for unpaid carers across Scotland.
This podcast contains
- Discussion of experiences of caring for a terminally ill family member
- Discussion of the emotional impact of unpaid caring.
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a written transcript of the Small Things Make a Big Difference: Insights on Hospital Discharge and the Experiences of Parent Carers episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Show notes:
Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) - gov.scot
Children's rights - Human rights - gov.scot
Summary - Carers (Scotland) Act 2016: statutory guidance - updated July 2021 - gov.scot
Feb 25, 2026
Feb 25, 2026
40 min
In this episode of How Carer Aware Are You? Michelle Morrison speaks with Kirsty McLeod from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland to explore the often-unseen experiences of unpaid carers within mental health and wellbeing services.
Drawing on her background as both a mental health nurse and an unpaid carer, Kirsty offers powerful insights into the realities carers face and the difference that good practice can make. Unseen experiences of unpaid carers within mental health and wellbeing services.
Listeners will come away with:
- A deeper understanding of unpaid carers lived experiences, including the pressures, barriers and emotional impact of supporting someone with a mental health condition.
- Practical ways to recognise, include and support carers in everyday practice, with clear advice on communication, confidentiality and building positive relationships.
- Awareness of essential tools and guidance from the Mental Welfare Commission, including the “Carers, Consent and Confidentiality” resource that strengthens safe, person-centred, carer inclusive care.
This episode is essential listening for anyone working across mental health and wellbeing services—and for anyone committed to improving outcomes for unpaid carers and the people they support.
This podcast contains:
- Discussion of sensitive and potentially distressing topics related to mental health, safeguarding, and lived experience. Discussion of topics such as mental illness and suicide.
- It mentions suicide.
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Show Notes:
Welcome | Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
42 min
Who are young carers, and why does it matter that we identify and support them? In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Munro and Lorna Gibson from Carers Trust Scotland to explore the realities faced by young and young adult carers.
We discuss the impact caring can have on their lives, why access to support is essential for them to be children and young people first, and how you can make a difference through your practice.
With the Carers (Scotland) Act and the incorporation of UNCRC into Scots law, young carers have a right to support and equal life opportunities. Yet many young carers—and those around them—don’t always recognise their caring role. Raising awareness is key to ensuring they can thrive in education, employment, and relationships, without being disadvantaged by their responsibilities.
Tune in to learn how you can help make that happen.
This podcast contains
- Discussion of topics such as mental illness, and eating disorders.
- It mentions suicide.
If this content might disturb you or those around you, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a written transcript of the What's this about young carers? episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
Show notes:
Young Carers Resources on Turas Learn
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
38 min
In 2025, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 20 November, and the theme is 'Know your rights, use your rights.' Get involved and help to make sure more carers are aware of their rights and feel empowered to use them.
Our first episode is launched on Carers Rights Day. It is estimated that one in seven people in Scotland provide some form of unpaid care. Many carers remain unaware of their rights and don't know where to get help and support.
- We introduce the NES Unpaid Carers programme and are joined by Michelle Morrison, Rachel Tainsh and Ryan Watson.
- We explore the definition of unpaid care and how to identify carers.
- We introduce the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, reflecting it's preventative approach and encouragement to have meaningful conversations with individual carers.
- We encourage health and social care staff to explore our resources on Caring for unpaid carers Turas Learn page and support them to signpost and raise awareness of the needs of carers.
This podcast contains
- Discussion of topics such as mental illness and suicide,
- It mentions suicidal ideation.
If this content might disturb you, or those around you who may overhear, please reconsider listening or accessing the written transcript.
Access a transcript of the How carer aware are you? Highlighting carers rights day episode.
We would love to hear your feedback! Share your thoughts on the podcast by completing our How carer aware are you? feedback questionnaire. Your input helps us to improve and bring you even better content!
The information contained in this podcast is current at the point of publication, with no guarantee of future relevance.
How can you get involved?
1. Subscribe to the podcast by following us and get notified when our content is released.
2. Visit our Caring for unpaid carers Turas Learn page for additional resources, including leaflets and tools to help you champion unpaid carers in your role. Or check out the Scottish Government 'A helping hand for carers' leaflet.
3. Learn more about the Unpaid carers programme team. Review our biographies below and get to know your hosts!
The Unpaid carers programme team
Michelle Morrison
Hi, I’m Michelle Morrison, and I’m part of the PSD Scotland Unpaid Carers Programme team. My background is in supporting unpaid carers, having worked alongside people caring for family members with a learning disability for over thirty years. I’m passionate about making sure unpaid carers are recognised, valued, and supported—not just in policy, but in everyday practice. Working on this podcast has been a chance to bring together voices from across health, social care, and the third sector, and to shine a light on the real experiences of carers. I believe that when we listen closely and act thoughtfully, we can make a real difference in how carers are treated—as Equal Partners in Care.
Rachel Tainsh
I’m Rachel Tainsh, a Senior Educator with the PSD Scotland Unpaid Carers Programme. I joined the team in 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience as an Allied Health Professional. I’ve worked across the UK and internationally in areas like disability, development, and infant mental health. I want to make sure that carers voices are valued, heard and amplified- this podcast enables us to have good conversations and provides a space to listen and learn. I also bring my own lived experience of caring, which gives me a personal connection to the work we do. I’m passionate about helping professionals recognise carers as Equal Partners in Care and making sure they feel confident to support carers in meaningful, practical ways.
Ryan Watson
Hi, I’m Ryan Watson, an Admin Assistant in the Social Care and Communities Directorate. As part of the Unpaid Carers Programme team, I manage our resources and the Turas Learn platform. I’ve worked at PSD Scotland for several years, providing business support across areas such as person-centred care and spiritual care. I also support a family member as an unpaid carer, which makes me passionate about promoting the message that unpaid carers should be identified and involved as Equal Partners in Care.