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In this exciting spotlight, you will explore the importance of health and social care in society. In episode one, you will explore what health means and how it’s more than just the absence of illness. You’ll discover how mental and physical health connect, what it means to be ill or disabled, and how society, culture, and the media shape these experiences. Finally, you’ll learn why understanding health and social care is essential for supporting people and creating a fairer, more inclusive society. In episode two, you will explore how society shapes our understanding and experience of illness and disability. You’ll learn about key frameworks like the biopsychosocial model of health and the social model of disability. You’ll learn how physical and societal barriers can be disabling and how these have been challenged through activism and policy change. You’ll also look at the impact of stigma on individuals and how understanding these social influences helps create fairer, more inclusive approaches to health and care. In episode three, you will explore the range of careers that make up the UK’s health and social care sector. The episode also highlights the key qualities needed to succeed in this field and how they combine to create compassionate, capable professionals. Finally, in episode four, you’ll undertake an activity by analysing a case study and applying what you’ve learned to a real-world scenario, exploring the barriers faced by someone living with a chronic illness and considering how the biopsychosocial model can guide practical, compassionate solutions.
Emily HeaveyUniversity of HuddersfieldHealth
All episodes
1. What is health?
2. How society shapes illness: exploring frameworks
3. How can health & social care professionals make a difference
4. Identifying barriers
About the university
University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield is a place where ambition is encouraged and every student is supported to go further. You will learn from staff who are among the most highly qualified in the country and committed to helping you grow. You will have the chance to challenge yourself through placements, projects, networks, societies, and real industry experience. Our campus is modern, welcoming, and designed to help you feel at home while discovering what you can achieve. You will be backed on the challenging days and celebrated on the good ones. This is a university that helps you seize opportunities and reach new heights.
Meet the academic
Emily Heavey
Dr Emily Heavey is a senior Lecturer in Health & Social Care/Social Work and the Course Leader for the BSc Health & Social Care at the University of Huddersfield. Her research interests include embodiment, disability and long-term health conditions, and experiences of care. Emily has worked as a researcher in the area of applied health and social care at a variety of universities across the UK, before starting at the University of Huddersfield in 2018.
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