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

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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Sadia Lira