NHS Highland’s Ayasha Wood, Adult Social Care Project Officer for Unpaid Carers, has received national recognition after being named Workplace Champion at the Carers UK Awards.
Ayasha received the UK-wide award at a ceremony in London on Thursday 15 October, celebrating individuals and organisations making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers.
The Workplace Champion Award recognises someone who has championed carers within their organisation by raising awareness, helping people identify as carers, connecting colleagues with support and ensuring carers’ voices are heard and valued.
Ayasha has made a significant impact as lead for the NHS Highland Unpaid Carers Staff Network, working to ensure unpaid carers feel recognised, supported and valued.
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."
Arlene Johnstone, Chief Officer of Highland Health and Social Care Partnership and lead for unpaid carers, said: “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.”
Her work has included raising awareness of carers’ rights and available support, championing EPiC Carer Aware training, developing The Wee Unpaid Carers Book of Support, and helping to ensure the voices of unpaid carers were represented in the Highland Carers Strategy 2025.
One of Ayasha’s standout achievements was leading the delivery of the Highland Carers Drop-In Event in June 2026, bringing together a wide range of organisations and services to provide advice, information and practical support in one place. The event welcomed more than 160 carers, giving them the opportunity to connect directly with the support available to them.
The Carers UK Awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from across the UK who work to improve the lives of unpaid carers.