Rebecca Hollis

Biography

I am a registered Social Worker, who previously worked in Cardiology as a technician for just under ten years working within the trauma and resuscitation teams. I became acutely aware of the differences in communication between health and social care, when I was diagnosed and undergoing treatment for a cerebral arteriovenous malformation. I obtained her BA (Hons) Learning Disability studies in 2015 at the University of Manchester, whilst continuing to work in the health service. I volunteered at learning disability charities during my studies and completed placements at various facilities across West Yorkshire and Manchester to broaden my understanding of services.

At this point I became involved in the Social Role Valorization group called Values Education and Research Association (VERA) which operated in the UK and has strong links globally. Founded on the theories of Wolf Wolfensberger, the group at this point were involved in Programme Analysis for Service Systems' Implementation for Normalization Goals (PASSING) workshops delivered to local authorities to assess the normalization and social role valorisation quality of human services. Due to the economic climate at the time, local authorities struggled to continue to facilitate the PASSING workshops due to the cost implications, the group disbanded. I would be very keen to re-establish this network in the UK supporting the historical and current impact, to develop research in the UK about how SRV and Normalisation have evolved. 

Continuing my academic studies (leaving the health service) to obtain my MSc in Social Work at the University of Huddersfield in 2017. I worked briefly with young carers providing respite and therapeutic support in the community where I developed an interest in the link between mental health and disabilities. Which led to a move into a third sector mental health service as an outdoor lead, supporting people to engage in meaningful activities and working alongside other organisations. Prior to securing a role as a social worker in a front-line mental health service, where I worked with severe and enduring mental illness in a multi-disciplinary setting in the community. Moving on, to work as a social worker in adult services, before acquiring post-Functional neurological disorder and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in a car accident during the pandemic. 

Since finding my 'feet' in academia whilst doing my undergraduate, I always knew I would return long term and enjoy the theoretical based knowledge, which informs social work practice. 

I have lived experience of services and am keen to undertake research specifically focusing on hidden and dynamic disabilities. I have a keen interest in mental health and service provision, particularly mental distress and preventing further trauma by service involvement. I have a passion for eco-therapy and how this can be utilised in social work practice. I am committed to promoting lived experience in social work to improve practice and service provision. I am eager to include in the curriculum, the varying needs of those with brain injury and how social work practitioners can support their rehabilitation. Social work is a passion and I am committed to supporting students on their journey, developing innovative ways to ensure the curriculum meets their needs, supporting them to become compassionate and conscientious practitioners.