As we are about halfway through South Asian Heritage Month, Rafeed Rashid a Commissioning Project Officer for NECS, tells us how his heritage has influenced his career and how he always wanted to pursue a career in the NHS.
Find out more about Rafeed and what inspires him.
Tell us about yourself and your career aspirations growing up?
“Growing up I have enjoyed keeping fit as much as I could with regular daily walks, playing football and playing cricket whenever possible. I always wanted to pursue a career in the NHS, I’m ambitious and passionate about making positive changes to people’s lives.
“I have a very young family and really enjoy spending time together on family days out and holidays abroad (whenever possible).
“I am currently working as Commissioning Project Officer in the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism team at Tees Valley place.
What was your career route to the role you have today?
“After completing my university studies at Teesside university, I completed my postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) qualification at Sunderland university.
“I started my career in healthcare, supporting peer education with young people around substance misuse which quickly led to moving into a smoking cessation advisory role and health inequalities in NHS North Tees and Hartlepool.
“This motivated me to push myself and study towards my Public Health Master’s degree to help enhance my knowledge and challenge myself.
“These roles and learnings helped developed my skills, networks and experiences which enabled me to progress into my current commissioning delivery role across Tees Valley.
“Over the last 15 years of working in the NHS, I have taken up the challenge to undertake additional training to continuously develop and enhance myself such as the NHS Stepping Up Program and Mary Seacole training.
How has your heritage influenced your career?
“I am a proud Muslim, and my religion has instilled many great principles and values in making me the person I am. Many of these values and principles are what I implement daily. My parents have instilled discipline and respect in my upbringing which are key factors in pretty much anything I do in my working life. I always try to treat people how I would like people to treat myself.
Is there a person from your cultural group or background who has inspired you?
“There was a positive role model from my cultural group who I really looked up to (from a very young age) and have great respect for. I have always endeavoured to achieve even a small amount of his success by making positive changes in people’s lives.
“His role was in Public Health and encouraged the local community to take up more physical activities to live a healthier lifestyle, which I instantly took a liking too and something I have implemented in my own and my families daily lifestyles too.”