Research Hero of the Month – August 2025

Our Research Hero this month is Wan, our expert by experience on the UPLIFT project.

UPLIFT is a NIHR-funded study, aiming to understand research priorities of perinatal mental health care for refugee and asylum-seeking women. At its core, the project is about listening to and learning from those with lived experience, which is where Wan’s contribution has been truly invaluable.

As part of UPLIFT, we’ve launched Me & Ma on social media to raise awareness and reach communities through storytelling, podcasts, and wellbeing content. Follow us at @_me.and.ma on Instagram and @me_and_ma25 on TikTok to see the project come to life.

As someone with lived experience, Wan has shaped UPLIFT from the inside out. Her insight, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of community have guided how we engage with refugee and asylum-seeking mums, particularly those who have struggled in silence and never accessed mental health care.

Wan said:

“Everyone is a champion within themselves. They just need to be given a fair opportunity in the community to learn and grow to be the best version of themselves.

This project is very close to my heart, as it’s given me the chance to give back what I once received; to support those still struggling in the darkness, and to show how a compassionate community can truly empower someone. That’s the impact research can have.”

Page last updated: 24th Jul 2025 12:05pm