Betsi Cadwaladr

Hi, I’m Tasha and I am a from a small village in North Wales.

I am the area coordinator for North Wales (Betsi Cadwaladr) and have been in the role for over 10 years.

I am currently a Social work Masters student in Liverpool John Moore’s University. I also hold an undergraduate degree and masters in Psychology, I have a deep knowledge of mental health services and treatments, and have applied this during my career and whilst working for EDSUK. I have many years experience working in Social services and this included working as a first contact officer in Adult social services where I would assess each person for the most appropriate support for example occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, and any other social care input. I have previously worked within the children’s social services team teaching parenting and home routines with children on a child in need/ CASP and child protection basis.

I have Hypermobile EDS, I was diagnosed at the age of 19 in 2007, I unfortunately went through many years of being disbelieved, for me being diagnosed answered so many questions for me. My goal is to help stop others experiencing not being believed, and help people get diagnosed earlier. Being a person with a disability has made me even more determined to reach my goals and help improve other peoples lives. I believe that anything is possible, and that with adaptations everyone can achieve what’s important to them.

In my role at EDSUK I run regular meetings for members so that they can access support and advice. I also do a lot of 1:1 support, as living in a rural area can make accessing meet ups difficult. During my role I have lectured to Rheumatologist teams, and spread awareness with GPs surgeries. I have also raised awareness of EDS with the general public, by being in many newspaper articles, and on

the news sharing my story.