Rebecca Hills

I have spent my career working for the NHS and for the majority of that time I have worked in mental health, either as an occupational therapist or in leadership roles in various places across the UK. I have worked mostly in secure services and prisons and have managed across both inpatient and community services. I have a particular interest in mental health services within the criminal justice system and women’s mental health.

Over the years, I have seen mental health change in many ways. It has been fantastic to be part of services that have really developed service user leaders and peer recovery roles and which are moving towards genuine co-production in often challenging environments. Working with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations has also been an amazing opportunity to think about how we can do things differently to achieve better outcomes.

Like many others, I have family members and friends who have needed mental health and learning disability services and I experience of being a carer - all of which has given me a very different, and very valuable, view of the world.

I am also, last but not least, a West Sussex resident. Joining the board of trustees for West Sussex Mind to support the staff team in their work for local people feels like a really positive way to get more involved in the local community. I am really delighted to have an opportunity to join an organisation with the vision of West Sussex Mind.