Newly updated resource supports mental health carers across Scotland
Change Mental Health, in collaboration with Carers Trust Scotland, has today launched an updated resource: A Menu of Questions for Carers — a free and practical guide designed to support unpaid carers as they navigate mental health services alongside the person they care for, in recognition of Carers Week 2025.
As mental health needs across Scotland continue to rise, so too does the number of unpaid carers, now estimated at over 700,000. Many are caring for someone with a mental health condition while struggling with their own wellbeing. Carers Trust research shows that 45% of carers feel they do not receive adequate support, with 41% reporting an increase in their caring responsibilities over the past year.
Carers often feel invisible in mental health settings, unheard and unsure of what they’re entitled to ask. A Menu of Questions for Carers is designed to change that, and helps carers speak up during appointments, care planning meetings and crisis responses. It includes clear prompts around topics like mental health support, respite, financial concerns and carers’ rights to be informed about the treatment and care of the person they support.
This isn’t a script but rather a conversation starter. The menu is flexible, accessible, and easy to use in real-world settings, including GP appointments, hospital visits and community mental health reviews. It empowers carers to advocate for themselves and be recognised as key partners in care.
The updated A Menu of Questions for Carers will be made available across Change Mental Health and Carers Trust Scotland’s networks, including distribution to over 29 local carer centres and Change Mental Health services across the country. Both charities will also work closely with organisations in Scotland to ensure that all carers have access to this important piece of literature.
Coleen Kelly, Director of Services at Change Mental Health, said:
“When we first created A Menu of Questions of Carers in conjunction with Carers Trust Scotland, we got incredible feedback from our own staff, carers we support, other organisations and the general public about how important it is to have this guide.
“Updating the menu is part of our ongoing improvement work, ensuring that the information and support that carers are accessing will be swift, accurate and helpful.
“Change Mental Health is delighted to continue working in partnership with Carers Trust Scotland and unveil this important menu that will transform carer’s lives.”
Amy Marshall, Mental Health Development Officer at Carers Trust Scotland, said:
“We are proud to relaunch our Menu of Questions in partnership with ChangeMH, strengthening our shared commitment to making real, lasting change for mental health carers.
"Carers deserve practical, flexible tools that fit the realities of their lives. This relaunch is about more than just resources - it’s about opening up meaningful conversations between carers, the people they support, and service providers and ensuring their voices are heard, included, and championed."
Originally developed in partnership in 2019 and refreshed for 2025, the leaflet is being shared throughout Carers Week and will be made available digitally and through Carers Trust Scotland and Change Mental Health’s networks.