Laila Saeid | Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation

Laila Saeid

Laila tells us about her experience volunteering in refugee camps, how her family were resettled in Aberdeen and that she looks forward to contributing to help shape research proposals during the early unfunded stage

Tell us about your role at ACE: I joined the ACE PIP group in October 2023. I am interested in being involved in a range of tasks, including educating, advocating for PPIE, participating in community engagement activities, sharing my unique experiences and engaging in public-facing activities to disseminate information and raise awareness. I look forward to contributing to and partnering in research as well as helping to shape research proposals during the early unfunded stage.
Tell us a bit about your background and what you do now: I'm Syrian Kurdish. I left Syria for Iraq ten years ago due to war conditions. I worked in Iraq as a volunteer in humanitarian organisations in refugee camps as a health promoter. And then two years ago my family and I were resettled to the United Kingdom in the city of Aberdeen, and I began a new life. I am currently working on learning the English language and trying to integrate into society. As well as Volunteering with HSRU, I attend a course on health issues in the community and go to college to improve my English.
What is your favourite thing about your role in ACE?: I enjoy teamwork, sharing information, talking about diverse topics, and meeting new people.
How do you usually start your day?: I have breakfast, I check my emails, I do housework, and after I finish, I watch videos to learn English.
How do you relax?: I call my mother, her voice makes me feel relaxed.
What was the last thing you shared on your social media profiles?: I don't share a lot on social media, but the last post was pictures of my children.