Sheila Hollins

Belonging to a community reduces isolation, gives people meaning and purpose, and can equip people to contribute more fully. To belong to a community means that people recognize you for who you are, care for you and miss you when you are not there. Going to Church can support people to explore aspects of a church community, and to decide if they want to be part of it. It will also help a church community actively consider how to reduce the barriers...

This book shows what happens to Ron when he loses interest in doing things because he is depressed. It also shows how he is helped to feel better. Like many other people he is offered counselling. An alternative storyline shows him taking antidepressant medication. Lots of people's stories will fit this book. It will help if you or someone you know gets depressed.

This is a story about what can happen when a person has epilepsy. People do not need to be able to read in order to understand the story. In the book we follow one man's daily life - on the bus, at work, and out with his friends. We see him having a seizure, going to the doctor, having a brain scan, an EEG, a blood test, and taking daily medication. There are also examples of activities which people with epilepsy need to be careful about, such as...

Anita is hurt by a man, and reports it to the police. When the case goes to court, Anita has to give evidence. She gets ready to be a witness by reading this book and visiting the court first. When the day comes Anita is nervous, but she tells the truth and gives evidence well. This book shows what happens when a woman is a witness at a Crown Court. It explains who she meets there and how the court works. Lots of stories will fit this book. The pictures...

Going for breast screening can be worrying. For women with intellectual disabilities there is the added fear of not understanding what is happening. This book can be used to prepare women before going for breast screening, and to increase breast awareness. In the first story, Beth gets an invitation letter for screening, decides whether to go, has a mammogram and gets the results. The second story shows what happens when Beth is asked back for further...

Matthew eats lots of sugary foods and doesn't take very good care of his teeth. When Matthew gets toothache he goes to see the dentist. At the appointment, he agrees to have a check-up and treatment to get rid of his toothache. When he feels better, Matthew goes back to the dentist to learn how to keep his teeth and gums healthy. The story gives examples of a dental x-ray, an injection, drilling and filling, and also good oral hygiene routines. This...

Jenny has moved to a group home, but she is very unhappy and unsettled. Things come to a head when her support worker finds a photo of Dad. Sensitively, the support worker helps Jenny to feel secure enough to talk about why she is upset. Jenny discloses that she was sexually abused by her father. The story shows how the warmth and trust of her support worker and friends begin a healing process, which will bring hope and a fresh start for Jenny. Jenny...

When Mum Died takes a gentle, honest and straightforward approach to death in the family. The pictures tell the story of the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. The approach is non-denominational. This book will be helpful to adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities as well as to their careers and supporters. In addition, children without learning disabilities will continue to appreciate these books, which adopt a more direct...

This is the story of a young woman with cerebral palsy, who is unable to speak, and finds it difficult to communicate what she is thinking and feeling to people who might help her. She feels isolated and unhappy. Her supporters and caregivers are frustrated that they cannot understand or recognize her needs. Michelle Finds a Voice shows what happens to Michelle, and how she and her caregivers are helped to overcome difficulties. Various solutions...

Sonia is feeling sad and worried. Her family want to find some help for her and take her to see the doctor. The doctor gives her antidepressant medication. Sonia does not feel better and returns to see the doctor. This time he decides to send her to see a counsellor. After some time to talk about her worries Sonia feels much better.