An NHS Highland employee whose work has helped hundreds of unpaid carers access advice, recognition and practical support has received a prestigious national award.
Ayasha Wood, Adult Social Care Project Officer for Unpaid Carers, was named Workplace Champion at the Carers UK Awards during a ceremony in London on Thursday 15 October.
The award celebrates individuals who make an exceptional contribution to supporting unpaid carers within their organisations, ensuring colleagues understand their rights and know where to turn for help.
For Ayasha, the recognition reflects a wider effort to make unpaid carers more visible and better supported throughout NHS Highland.
As lead for the NHS Highland Staff Unpaid Carers Network, she has worked to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people balancing employment with caring responsibilities.
Her contribution includes promoting carers’ rights, encouraging participation in EPiC Carer Aware training and developing The Wee Unpaid Carers Book of Support.
She has also helped ensure that the experiences and concerns of unpaid carers were reflected in the Highland Carers Strategy 2025.
Ayasha said:
“I was delighted just to be shortlisted, so winning was a real surprise.
“I’m incredibly proud, but this has never been a solo effort.
“I’ve had brilliant support from our wider leadership team, and especially from my line manager, Michelle Keir.
“I hope this award shows colleagues who are unpaid carers that there is support for them within our workforce.
“For anyone who wants to be more carer aware, whether that’s in how we support staff or in the services we deliver, there’s a point of contact, and I’d really encourage them to get in touch.
“I hope this helps us keep building positive change across NHS Highland.”
One of her most notable achievements was organising the Highland Carers Drop-In Event in June 2026, which brought together organisations and support services to offer advice and assistance directly to those who needed it.
More than 160 carers attended, gaining access to information, practical guidance and opportunities to speak with organisations providing support across the region.
The event demonstrated the value of bringing services together, particularly for people who may struggle to find the right advice while managing demanding caring responsibilities.
Arlene Johnstone, Chief Officer of Highland Health and Social Care Partnership and lead for unpaid carers, praised Ayasha’s contribution.
“We are incredibly proud of Ayasha and delighted to see her work recognised at a UK level.
“She has brought real passion and determination to championing unpaid carers, raising awareness of their rights and helping to strengthen the support available to them in NHS Highland.
“This is a fantastic and very well-deserved achievement.”
Unpaid carers provide essential assistance to relatives, friends and neighbours who need help because of illness, disability or other circumstances, often alongside their own employment and family commitments.
Recognising those responsibilities within the workplace can help carers access appropriate support and continue working while caring for someone important in their lives.
The Carers UK Awards celebrate people and organisations making a difference to unpaid carers throughout the country, with Ayasha’s achievement bringing national recognition to the work being undertaken within NHS Highland.
