A new report by the Young Academy of Scotland amplifies the voices of unpaid carers and highlights the urgent need for more responsive national and local support systems that provide clear information, mental health support, and financial security to carers.
At least 759,000 people in Scotland provide unpaid care to at least one individual with illness, disability, or frailty. The Carers Trust estimates that their contribution is worth £15.9 billion annually to Scotland’s economy- a figure is likely to rise as the population ages.
Members of the Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) sought to give carers from across all geographic areas of Scotland and opportunity to have their stories heard by Scotland’s decision-makers.
Through an online survey, designed in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland, Atlantic Technological University, The ALLIANCE, Carers Scotland, and Carers UK, YAS gathered the stories of fifty informal carers.
Researchers from YAS analysed the survey data, identifying patterns and themes that informed a narrative report on the current state of informal care in Scotland.
Profound impact
A key and recurring theme in carers’ stories was the profound impact that caring responsibilities have on career development, personal relationships, and mental wellbeing. While many respondents described caring for a loved one as rewarding, the lack of support from government or society often led to stress, isolation, and, in some cases, severe declines in mental health. One respondent articulated this, saying “I feel at times we are left to pick up the pieces of a failing social support system which is also on its knees due to lack of funding”.
In addition to amplifying carer stories, the report makes several recommendations, based on the themes that recurred throughout survey responses.
The report recommends that the Scottish Government and other stakeholders systematically challenge carer invisibility, including through a national, dedicated long-term campaign to raise public awareness and tackle stigmatisation around the caring role, potentially drawing on lessons from sustained public health campaigns, such as those focused on mental health.
It also calls on national and local authorities to develop more responsive and personalised support systems so carers can access timely breaks, clear and accessible information, and financial support that reflects the diverse pressures they face, including stress, isolation, and economic strain.
Finally, as Scotland approaches the 2026 Holyrood elections, the report highlights an opportunity to reimagine care in a way that centres lived experiences, values unpaid contributions, and builds systems that are both compassionate and coherent; continued consultation, co-designed with carers themselves, will be essential to achieving this.
Introducing the report, Dr Kieren Egan, lead author and member of the Young Academy of Scotland said: “As demands on our care system grow, informal carers shoulder immense responsibility, while receiving too little recognition. Our findings make it clear that national and local decision-makers must act now to ensure carers are valued across Scotland.”