Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.
Scotland’s unpaid carers: Stories of care
When
Tuesday 8 September 2026
14:00 - 15:30
Where
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
View directions on Google Maps
Format
In-person
Access
Wheelchair access, Wheelchair accessible toilets
Age
Suitable for ages 16+
Cost
Free to book
About this event
Recognising, thanking and celebrating Scotland’s unpaid carers
Over 700,000 people in Scotland provide unpaid care for at least one person in their lives. A recent report from the Young Academy of Scotland places carers’ voices at the centre of its findings, highlighting both the realities of being an unpaid carer, and the urgent need for access to better support systems.
In this Curious workshop, we’ll start with readings from Stories of Care and share the real-life experiences featured in the report. We’ll also hear from invited attendees who have offered to share their own personal stories and experiences as an unpaid carer. While it’s not compulsory, everyone is welcome to share their own stories if they feel comfortable doing so. No prior caring experience is required for coming along to the workshop – if you’re simply interested in hearing more about unpaid care in Scotland, then please join us!
These stories are an insight into the realities of being an unpaid carer today, plus the social and emotional impact the role can have on people and their families. This workshop will also have time for a reflective group discussion where attendees can talk about current support systems and hopes for the future.
As part of the workshop, we would like to write and design our own postcards thanking Scotland’s unpaid carers. We would love for attendees to take part and leave a note of thanks if they wish!
Note for attendees: This workshop includes readings of real-life stories from carers across Scotland. Attendees might find that the discussions provoke some strong emotions or relate to personal experiences. Attendees are not obliged to share their own experiences, but are willing to do so if they feel comfortable.
Event type
Curious
Talk
Contributors
Dr Joanne Ingram
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of the West of ScotlandSPEAKER
Joanne is a psychologist exploring links between wellbeing and cognition. She has a personal interest in how unpaid care, and degenerative disease, shapes our language and thinking. Joanne is Chair of the UWS Staff Carers Network.
Andrew Thomson
Chief Executive, Carr GommAndrew started with Carr Gomm in April 2005 and is now in the post of Chief Executive, with responsibility for developing innovative ways to support people in achieving positive outcomes, both within the Carr Gomm community and beyond. He is committed to person-centred approaches, values-based decision-making and ethical leadership.
He enjoys influencing government policies and actions throughout Scotland to positively impact citizens, as every day brings the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.
Before starting with Carr Gomm and trying to revolutionise social care in Scotland, Andrew worked in Malawi and Ghana. He is a Computer Science graduate with postgraduate degrees in International Development (MPhil) and Global Mental Health (MSc). His most recent international impact was the development of a practical manual for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for use by non-specialist practitioners in Sierra Leone.
Away from work, Andrew enjoys recreational quantum electrodynamics, mathematics, and the tribulations of Scottish football.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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