From research participant to research partner: Afraa’s journey into research

When Afraa first became involved in research, she never imagined it would lead her to university, or that she would one day help shape and deliver research herself.

Afraa first came to research through the Routes to Wellness project, which she became involved with while studying at Odell’s Open Doors. She was invited to meet researchers and share her experiences as a refugee

At first, Afraa was unsure about taking part. She didn’t know what she would be asked and found the idea of talking about her experiences difficult. But after meeting the research team, she felt comfortable enough to take part. What began as a single opportunity to share her experience developed into two years of workshops, conversations and connections with researchers, students and other refugees.

Afraa describes the experience as transformative. Through taking part, she developed her English and communication skills, built friendships with people from different countries and cultures, and, perhaps most importantly, began to see possibilities for her own future.

She had never considered university before. Now, she is studying Computer Science at the University of Plymouth.

Her involvement in research has continued beyond Routes to Wellness. Afraa has taken part in further public involvement opportunities, including work exploring stigma and women’s health, and has completed peer support training through the University of Plymouth.

She is now also involved in plans to potentially take Routes to Wellness to London, subject to funding. If the work goes ahead, Afraa will help to plan and run sessions with refugees, moving from sharing her experiences with researchers to helping others have their voices heard.

Afraa

Afraa in her own words

How did you first get involved in research?

I was a student at Odell’s Open Doors when my teacher told me that some people from the university were coming to meet with us and ask questions about our experiences as refugees. At first, I didn’t want to go because I didn’t like talking about that experience and I didn’t know what they might ask us. But at the last minute I decided to go. I met Hawaida and Weno, and I felt really comfortable with them because they were really kind. They asked us some questions and the meeting was very emotional because we remembered the beginning of our journey. When I spoke about my journey for the first time, I felt comfortable. That made me feel like I wanted to talk more about it. Then, over about two years, we did many workshops together. That made me stronger, and I felt more free.

How did being involved in the workshops affect your confidence?

I was very, very shy. My English was just a little, so I was always quiet. I never spoke English with anyone outside my class. I never thought about university. I thought something like that was impossible for me, especially with a different language. But when I joined the workshops, I met people from different countries and cultures. I met students and researchers and saw how they supported us. My friends supported me and pushed me to do it. When I saw the professors and doctors with us, and how they supported us, I thought, why not? I can do it.

What has research given you personally?

It completely changed my life. My English improved and my communication improved. I met different people and learned about different cultures and religions. Before, I had a lot of things in my mind because of how refugees are talked about in the media, and what people might think about my country, my religion and my experiences. But through the workshops I met people from different religions, countries, languages and cultures. I am really grateful for those workshops because it was like a jump in my life.

You’ve been involved in other research since Routes to Wellness. How have you found that?

I’ve been involved in many different things. I recently finished work with Shahla about stigma – looking at how feeling shame about something can affect people’s lives and how we can support people. I’ve also been involved in work about women’s health. Some workshops are just one or two sessions, while others are much longer. The short workshops are good because you can improve your knowledge and learn about something you didn’t hear about before. But when you’re involved for a long time, you can make friends. You can do things together outside the workshop, like picnics or events, and it becomes part of your life. We’re like a family now.

How does it feel to potentially help deliver Routes to Wellness with other refugees?

When Kristin told me about the possibility of doing the work in London, I was really surprised and excited. Before, I was a refugee sharing my experience. Now, in the new workshops, I could be one of the people helping to do that. That makes me really want it to happen.

What would you say to someone who hasn’t been involved in research before?

Go!

You might think you’re going to share something because the researchers want your help, but you will help yourself too. It can help you for the future. I did training with them about peer support work and now I have a certificate from Plymouth University. If you want to improve your skills, improve your communication and meet new people, research workshops are very good.

What has been the biggest benefit for you?

For me, it really affected my mental health. I think that is the biggest change for me. Today I’m stronger and I feel I can do anything I want. When we did the workshop, I said to the researchers that they ask us for our experiences to help make their services better, but they don’t know how they are helping us as well. When you’re talking about your problems, your mental health can change. You feel alive. You feel that people can hear you and understand you, and maybe your story or your journey can help others. It was one of the best things that happened for me.

A message for other people considering research:

For Afraa, getting involved in research has become about much more than contributing her experiences. It has given her opportunities to develop skills, meet people, build confidence and imagine a different future.

Her journey also highlights the value of involving people with lived experience throughout the research process – not only asking people to share their experiences, but creating opportunities for them to become active partners in research.

As Afraa puts it:

“You ask us for experience to help you make your services better, but you don’t know how you are helping us as well.”

And her own journey is perhaps best summed up in another of her reflections:

“Today I’m stronger and I feel I can do anything I want.”