Research Assistant, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
I joined the School of Health Sciences in 2017 as a researcher on the Narrative Experiences Online (NEON) study, investigating the effects of accessing online narratives of recovery from mental health distress on people's own recovery. My academic background is an interdisciplinary mix of English literature, community and youth studies, and sociological research methodologies, with a uniting focus on critical theory, social and structural inequalities and emancipatory practices.
Professionally, I worked with young people for 20 years within voluntary sector organisations and the NHS, developing services within the fields of sexual health, mental health and emotional wellbeing. I was the first director of Sheffield's LGBTQI+ youth service, SAYiT. I am passionate about the transformative potential of the arts, and co-founded Out Aloud, Sheffield's first LGBT+ choir. A continuous theme in my professional and academic life has been the role of sharing stories in challenging internalised oppression/shame and structural injustices.
Narrative approaches to research
Social constructivism
Critical constructivism
Mental health recovery
I am currently a researcher on the NIHR-funded NEON study (Narrative Experiences Online), and am undertaking a part-time PhD funded by the School of Health Sciences. The PhD take a narrative inquiry… read more
I am currently a researcher on the NIHR-funded NEON study (Narrative Experiences Online), and am undertaking a part-time PhD funded by the School of Health Sciences. The PhD take a narrative inquiry approach to investigating "what makes a 'good' recovery narrative", exploring the potential benefits and harms of this genre for narrators and recipients, and exploring questions of power and what is 'allowed' to be told in given historical moments. It is being supervised by Stefan Rennick-Egglestone and Alison Edgley.
B236, Medical SchoolQueen's Medical Centre Nottingham, NG7 2HA
telephone: +44 (0)115 95 15559 email: mhssupport@nottingham.ac.uk