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Sadia
Ph.D Researcher
Trainee Psychologist
Community Volunteer
Sustainability Champion
Startup Eco-Business Woman
International Development Worker
Mental Health Awareness Facilitator
Inter-Faith worker
Refugee Rights Activist

Sadia Lira

Sadia Lira is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a robust academic background and extensive experience in psychology and community health. Currently pursuing a Ph.D in Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton, her research focuses on the barriers refugees face in accessing mental health care in both high and low resource settings. Her educational journey includes an MSc in Health Psychology and a BSc in Psychology, both from the University of Bedfordshire. Her MSc thesis, titled “Examining Muslims' Coping Methods During Stressful Interpersonal Events,” and her BSc thesis, titled “Can University Students' Financial Circumstances Impact Their Educational Achievements?,” highlight her expertise in coping methods, financial impacts on educational achievements, and various psychological methodologies. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to mental health.

Mental Health Crisis Worker at MIND BLMK, she provided critical support to individuals in distress, employing listening therapies and empathy to de-escalate crises. Her role involved creating well-being plans and signposting clients to relevant services, showcasing her ability to handle complex mental health needs. In addition to her clinical work, she has significant experience in health education and community outreach.

Outreach work

At Inspirited Minds, for almost three years  she led workshops to raise awareness about mental health issues among ethnic minorities, challenging taboos and promoting understanding.

Assistant Psychologist

Her tenure as an Assistant Health Psychologist at Open Health involved collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to improve patient engagement, further broadening her expertise in health communication and qualitative research.

Teaching Experience

She has also contributed to academia as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, where she delivered lectures on mental health and facilitated a supportive learning environment for students. Her teaching style is characterised by empathy, active listening, and a collaborative approach, making her a respected educator.

Community & International Developmental work

Sadia has been actively involved in various local and international projects, demonstrating a global perspective and a dedication to humanitarian causes. Whether working in refugee camps in France, participating in medical camps in Bangladesh, or engaging in community development projects in Zimbabwe and India, she has consistently sought to improve psycho-physical health outcomes in diverse settings. These experiences have equipped her with a unique understanding of global health challenges and the ability to adapt interventions to various cultural contexts.In her local community, she has volunteered with organisations such as Friends of Bright Eyes (FOBE), where she supported children and adults with autism, and regularly participates in various fundraising challenges. Her role in these activities highlights her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life and her commitment to making a positive impact.

As a British Muslim female of Bangladeshi heritage, she brings a valuable perspective to her roles, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. Her work not only aims to improve health outcomes but also to empower and inspire others from similar backgrounds.

What I Do

1:1 Coaching session

I offer 1:1 coaching sessions, by setting goals with clients and working together to achieve them. Specifically: (1) Diet and exercise related goals (2) Academic goals

Delivering Mental Health Awareness Workshops

I have almost 10 years experience of delivering mental health awareness workshops. I am particularly keen on delivering these workshops with "hard-to reach" communities. I have so far delivered these in UK, Zimbabwe, India, France (with refugees) and Cambodia (Aug 24).

Sustainability Lead

I am currently working on various projects to tackle our plastic problems. I do this by involving local community and findings creative ways to deal with the issues (Solution focused). Along with tackling plastic, I am also interested in sustainable architecture, community gardens and creating an environment that is holistically ethical and safe.

Creative Director (Challenging Taboo topics)

I have worked on various projects, to creatively tackle taboo topics. These topics can vary between Muslim mental health, Domestic Abuse- to combating addictions in our community. I am currently focusing on creating podcasts with local people to discuss these topics, I believe a lot of "difficult" topics should be talked about. Being able to produce these content has allowed me to create a safe environment where individuals are able to express their views, fears and work together to also suggest solutions.

Sustainable Development Work

I have been fortunate to visit diverse communities in different countries, collaborating to share skills, learn from each other, and address various health challenges. I have worked on projects such as HIV reduction, typhoid and malaria awareness, mental health awareness, domestic abuse prevention, gender-based awareness, and improving recycling and environmental practices. Additionally, I have facilitated health camps and supported the mental health of refugees.

Testimonials

Sadia is an exceptionally thoughtful and passionate individual, deeply committed to the well-being and development of those around her. She brings a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and dedication to her professional practice, making her an invaluable asset to any team or community she is part of. Her genuine care for people is evident in every aspect of her work, and it is this quality that sets her apart as a leader and advocate. In today’s rapidly changing world, staying current with professional knowledge and skills is crucial, and Sadia excels in this area. She is actively engaged in continuous professional development, always seeking to expand her knowledge and adapt to new challenges. This commitment is not just a professional obligation for Sadia; it is a personal passion. She thrives on learning and growth, constantly pushing herself to be at the forefront of her field. Her dedication to staying informed and relevant enables her to provide the highest level of support to those she serves. Sadia has a wealth of experience in supporting individuals living with mental health conditions, particularly during times of crisis. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in years of hands-on experience and deep personal commitment. For over a decade, she has been a tireless advocate for mental health, dedicating her time and energy to raising awareness, providing support, and reducing stigma. Her work is far-reaching, spanning local, national, and international arenas. Whether working in a professional capacity or volunteering her time, Sadia brings the same level of passion and dedication to every role she undertakes. What makes Sadia’s contribution particularly impactful is her personal connection to the cause. Having had firsthand experience with mental health challenges, she understands the importance of empathy, support, and education. This personal insight drives her to engage with the public in meaningful ways, using her story and expertise to break down barriers and encourage open, honest conversations about mental health. Sadia’s efforts to reduce stigma are diverse and far-reaching. She is actively involved in a variety of initiatives, including workshops, podcasts, lectures, and other educational platforms. Through these efforts, she reaches a wide audience, providing valuable information, support, and encouragement to those who need it. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life makes her an effective advocate and a powerful voice for change. In summary, Sadia is a dedicated and compassionate professional whose commitment to mental health advocacy is both inspiring and transformative. Her work is a testament to the difference that one person can make when they combine passion, expertise, and a genuine desire to help others. She is a true leader in her field, and her contributions have had a lasting positive impact on countless lives.

Jolel Miah (Chartered Health Psychologist/ Senior Lecturer)

Jolel Miah (Chartered Health Psychologist/ Senior Lecturer)

Psychology Cast

I know Sadia as a friend and fellow PhD candidate. Sadia is a warm, loving and very helpful person. I admire her relentless efforts and dedication towards different global causes that she is passionate about. She works extremely hard to make a difference in the lives of others and has a positive impact on those around her. It's a pleasure to have Sadia on this Phd journey with me.

Vaneshree Naidoo (Therapist & PhD Researcher)

Vaneshree Naidoo (Therapist & PhD Researcher)

University of Wolverhampton

Sister Sadia is truly an asset to our community. She is involved in so many different community projects, it is difficult to keep up. We work on the SalamSeeker podcast together, where she addresses issues concerning the youth and community at large. Be it mental health, oppression, or social issues, she has addressed them repeatedly. Sister Sadia has been engaged in Islamic studies for over a decade, and has a firm grounding in the Islamic sciences. Always inquisitive, humble and cautious in her approach to knowledge, she can be trusted to present a sound and reliable understanding of Islam.

Noorud-deen Rashid (Shaykh & Head of Islam Answers)

Noorud-deen Rashid (Shaykh & Head of Islam Answers)

Islam Answers

When I was working in my previous job, I worked with Sadia. Sadia is brilliant and mentored me regarding courses I can potentially choose because I wanted to study. Sadia helped me to make some choices and I was able to pursue on a course. Sadia also assisted and supported me to make a plan which could help me to quit bad habits. Sadia was able to mentor me by discussing options that arouse amongst other matters. I would recommend Sadia in any line of work.

Fizzah

Fizzah

Education

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest

May 2024 – Current 

University of Wolverhampton

 

Doctorate Research [PhD]

Key Highlights:

Continuing the research, with plans of data collection with HCPs working with refugees in two refugee camp settings.

Oct 2020 – May 2023 (Transferred)

University of Bedfordshire

 

Doctorate Research [PhD]

Key Highlights:

Research Focus:

– Comprehensive investigation into the gaps and barriers refugees face when accessing mental health care.

– Comparison between high and low-resource refugee camps to identify distinct challenges and needs.

– Utilisation of a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data.

Core Skills Developed:

– Advanced Research Methods: Proficiency in mixed-method research design, data collection, and analysis.

– Critical Analysis: Ability to critically evaluate existing literature and synthesize findings to identify research gaps.

– Data Analysis: Skilled in using statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative analysis tools to interpret complex data sets.

–  Academic Writing: Experience in writing research proposals, dissertations, and peer-reviewed journal articles.

– Project Management: Effective management of a large-scale research project, including timelines, resources, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Pilot Study:

– Objective: To test a pilot vignette style survey designed to assess HCPs understanding  and stigma of mental health.

– Methodology:

– Developed a comprehensive survey focusing on a vignette-scale.

– Conducted the pilot survey with a sample of University students studying health related course and/or students working/volunteering in a health care role.

– Collected and analysed preliminary data to refine survey vignettes and ensure validity and reliability.

Findings:

– Reduced number of vignettes and refined the scale based on suggestions.

– Adjusted the survey based on feedback to improve clarity and relevance of questions.

Impact:

– Enhanced understanding of the practical issues health care practitioners encounter.

– Provided a robust tool for further large-scale data collection in the main research phase.

Professional Development:

– Teaching Experience: Delivered lectures and seminars as a visiting lecturer on topics related to mental health.

-Workshops and Training: Attended various workshops and training sessions on advanced research methods, mental health interventions, and refugee studies.

Networking:

– Built connections with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working in the fields of mental health, refugee studies, and public health.

– Engaged in collaborative projects and discussions to broaden the impact of research findings.

2013 – 2015

University of Bedfordshire

 

MSc in Health Psychology

Dissertation Title: “Examining Muslims’ coping methods during stressful interpersonal events”

Awarded: MSc in Health Psychology and currently a Trainee Health Psychologist

Professional Membership: Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS) and Health Psychology

Key Highlights:
Dissertation Focus: Investigated coping methods among Muslims during stressful interpersonal events.

Professional Membership: Achieved membership with the British Psychological Society (MBPsS).

Core Skills Developed:
Advanced Research Skills: Conducted in-depth research, data collection, and analysis for the dissertation.
Health Psychology Expertise: Gained specialized knowledge in health psychology theories, models, and applications.
Interpersonal Skills: Enhanced through qualitative research involving sensitive topics and diverse populations.
Intervention Design: Developed skills in designing and evaluating health interventions.
Ethical Awareness: Strong understanding of ethical issues in health psychology research and practice.
Relevant Courses:
-Psychological Approaches to Health
-Stress, Health, and Coping
– Health Behaviour Change
– Chronic Illness and Disability
– Research Methods and Statistics

Additional Information:
Extracurricular Activities:

Workshops and Seminars: Attended various professional development workshops and seminars to stay updated with the latest research and practices in health psychology.

Networking: Actively participated in professional networks and conferences to build connections with other health psychology professionals.

Professional Development:
– Completed training programs such as “Mental Health First Aider” and “Introduction to Islamic Psychology” to enhance practical skills and knowledge.
Practical Experience:
– Applied theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through roles such as Mental Health Outreach Worker and Assistant Health Psychologist.

2010 – 2013

University of Bedfordshire

BSc Psychology

Dissertation Title: Can the University student’s financial circumstances have an impact on their educational achievements?”
Awarded: Second Class Honours and Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Key Highlights:
Dissertation Focus: Investigated the impact of financial circumstances on educational achievements among university students.
Membership: Achieved Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Core Skills Developed:
Research Skills: Conducted empirical research and data analysis for the dissertation.
Critical Thinking: Analysed various psychological theories and their practical applications.
Communication Skills: Developed through presentations and written assignments.
Teamwork: Collaborated with peers on group projects and research initiatives.
Relevant Courses:
– Cognitive Psychology
– Developmental Psychology
– Social Psychology
– Biological Psychology
– Research Methods in Psychology

Additional Information:
Extracurricular Activities
Societies: Active participation in university societies.
Volunteering: Engaged in various volunteer opportunities to apply psychological principles in real-world settings.
Professional Development:
– Attended workshops and seminars to enhance understanding of psychological concepts and research methodologies.

Professional Membership

BPS (British Psychological Society): Graduate membership and MBPsS (title)

British International Studies Association (BISA)


 

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Article

Have We Forgotten About The Rohingyas?

 

I was recently in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh for over a month, data collecting for one of my PhD studies (with Health Care Practitioners) and volunteering with Blackstone Charity. In this article I will be highlighting the plight of one of the most persecuted communities in the world; the Rohingya refugees.  

 

 

In recent years, there has been very little to no coverage of the Rohingya people residing in the camps of Bangladesh. 

Is this because the Rohingya’s have safely returned to Myanmar? Or maybe they have stopped fleeing to Bangladesh? Or is it possible that their situation has improved? 

Before we dive into these questions and other vital ones, come and join me as we go back to the basics; who are the Rohingya people?

For centuries the Rohingya people, who are a group of Muslim ethnic minorities have lived in Myanmar (Rakhine state). Despite living in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) for many generations, since 1982 they have been denied citizenship, and are not officially recognised as an ethnic group in their home country. As a result, they are the world’s largest stateless population (USA For UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency, 2022). Being stateless means they are not recognised as citizens or as nationals in any country and therefore can not benefit from any rights linked with citizenship, such as legal, educational, healthcare rights and other form of basic rights that is given to nationals of a country (USA for UNCHR The UN Refugee Agency, 2023). 

According to Mahmood et al., (2017), the Rohingyas’ citizenship was stripped off them in 1982 as they were not able to meet requirements to prove their forefathers were settled in Burma before 1983 (Mahmood et al., 2017). Ullah (2011), further suggests a census that was conducted by Myanmar (Burma) in 1977 resulted in the state-sponsored persecution, oppression and forced migration of Rohingya refugees. Where 200,000 Rohingyas were forced to flee from Myanmar to Bangladesh in 1978, and further 300,000 fled persecutions between December 1992 to March 1992 (Ullah, 2011).

In 2017, the Rohingya communities experienced serious levels of violence and terror from the Myanmar state security force, which forcefully displaced more than 700,000 people into Bangladesh (MSF, 2022). During that displacement MSF (2022) recorded more than 6,700 deaths.

 

Now that we have explored some basics about the Rohingya population and who they are, we can start answering some of our initial questions, starting with have the Rohingya’s safely returned to Myanmar?

Whilst we address these questions, it is very important to remember the complexity of this topic, and we should never look at it from a simplistic view, rather we should be open to learning from human rights group, those who work with Rohingya’s on the ground and most importantly facilitate for the Rohingya’s to tell their own narratives.

So, have the Rohingya’s safely returned to Myanmar?

 

 

No, according to Human Rights Watch (2023), over 730,000 refugees’ that were forced to flee Myanmar in 2017, are still living in various camps in Bangladesh. Further, 600,000 that remain in Myanmar live in an apartheid system used by the local authorities (Human Rights Watch, 2023). In current time there are over 1.5 million Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh (UNCHR, 2025).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture A: Very crowded tents, and the largest refugee camp in the world is divided between mini camps

 

Picture B: The tents are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, sometimes bamboo bridges are used to connect various mini camps together

 

What about the continuous forced displacement; have [they] stopped fleeing to Bangladesh? 

Rohingya refugees continue to seek safety in Bangladesh. For example, between 2022- 2023, over 15,500 Rohingya refugees attempted to cross over to Bangladesh of which 569 were reported as dead or missing (UNCHR, 2023). This means the Rohingya refugees have not stopped fleeing to Bangladesh.

Picture C: Walking through a bamboo bridge to get to various sides of the camps

 

Now, let’s get to our final question; their situation has improved? 

Picture D: A stream of polluted water under the bridge, right next the tents

 

Those that remain in Myanmar, are continuously going through persecution, and are facing an apartheid system. Although Bangladesh is currently hosting more than 1.5 million Rohingya refugees [the largest refugee camp in the world], the Rohingya’s are not given the same rights as the citizens, therefore they can not work, or enjoy any other rights that are given to its nationals. So, to answer this question there is still a lack in basic needs that exists for those who are residing in the camps!

Picture E: Some tents made of self-built bamboo and tarpaulin shelters*

 

Just to summarise, we can see the Rohingya refugees’ have not returned safely to Myanmar, are still fleeing to Bangladesh for safety and their situation has not improved– then why has there been little to no coverage of the largest stateless refugee population of the world?

Picture F: Rohingya family invited me to their home and spoke about their living conditions*

 

I would like to leave you with a few reflection points- As international communities, what can we do to bring the Rohingya refugees’ stories forward? And most importantly have we truly forgotten about the Rohingya people?

 

*Consents were taken for photographs from individuals/caregivers, they were also informed where and how the pictures will be used

 

Author

Sadia Lira

Blackstone Charity Volunteer

PhD researcher; exploring ways to improve refugees’ mental health in Calais/Dunkirk, France & Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

 

Reference

Human Rights Watch. (2023, August 20). Future Bleak for Rohingya in Bangladesh, Myanmar. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/20/future-bleak-rohingya-bangladesh-myanmar

Mahmood, S. S., Wroe, E., Fuller, A., & Leaning, J. (2017). The Rohingya people of Myanmar: health, human rights, and identity. The Lancet, 389(10081), 1841–1850. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00646-2

MSF. (2022). A timeline of the Rohingya crisis. Doctors without Borders – USA. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/timeline-rohingya-crisis

Ullah, A. A. (2011). Rohingya Refugees to Bangladesh: Historical Exclusions and Contemporary Marginalization. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 9(2), 139–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/15562948.2011.567149

UNCHR. (2023). Bangladesh: Rohingya Refugees Fleeing over Land and Sea. Global Focus. https://reporting.unhcr.org/bangladesh-rohingya-refugees-fleeing-over-land-and-sea

UNCHR. (2023). Bangladesh: Rohingya Refugees Fleeing over Land and Sea. Global Focus. https://reporting.unhcr.org/bangladesh-rohingya-refugees-fleeing-over-land-and-sea

USA for UNCHR The UN Refugee Agency. (2023). Statelessness Explained. Unrefugees.org. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/statelessness-explained/#Whataretheconsequencesofstatelessness?

USA For UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency. (2022). Rohingya Refugee Crisis Explained. www.unrefugees.org. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/rohingya-refugee-crisis-explained/#Rohingya

 

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admin@sadialira.com

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Sadia Lira