About Dr. Faryal Zehra

Dr. Faryal Zehra is dedicated to preventive care, community health, and holistic well-being, leveraging over two decades of diverse experience in healthcare to empower individuals and communities.

Inspiring and dedicated healthcare professional.

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"The diversity of my experiences has only deepened my conviction that true healthcare is about community, compassion, and continuous growth."

Discover my journey in healthcare and my community-driven passions.

Hi, I’m Dr. Faryal Zehra. My journey in healthcare has always been deeply rooted in a passion for preventive care and a strong belief in the transformative power of community. Over the past two decades, I’ve remained engaged in various roles—clinician, researcher, paramedic, educator, and social worker—each shaping how I approach my work today. Since 2016, my focus has shifted towards charity work, where I’ve dedicated myself fully to giving back, immersing myself in community service while exploring ways to make a meaningful difference.

But the story of my commitment to community work started long before that. From my childhood, I’ve always been involved in giving back, feeling a strong pull to support others. It wasn’t until I was engaged in clinical work and the postdoctoral fellowship that I saw firsthand the challenges many children face, especially those going through personal hardships. I encountered cases of mental health struggles, often rooted in difficult childhoods, and it became clear to me that there was a critical need for mentorship and positive outlets, particularly for children facing adversity.

I searched high and low for an organisation that could provide children with the chance to engage in healthy, supportive activities—activities that could build resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. To my surprise, I couldn’t find one. I found organisations that were adult-led, but none that were truly children-led, giving them the agency to shape their opportunities while being mentored in the process. This was a gap I knew had to be filled. So, I created Little Helpers on the Run.

From the name and logo to every department, Little Helpers was designed with children at its heart. It’s built on the belief that when children are given the opportunity to lead, they not only grow in confidence but also develop a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. Under the mentorship I provide to all volunteers, alongside the support of dedicated adult volunteers, we engage in meaningful and positive activities that help individuals develop valuable life skills while enhancing their mental well-being. These initiatives are firmly rooted in respect for all, love for the community, and care for one another—values that guide everything we do.

Every volunteer, every collaboration, every moment in this organisation is something I am personally involved in. I have single-handedly mentored every volunteer, ensuring that each one receives the guidance and support they need to grow into the best version of themselves while making a real difference in the community. I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every aspect of Little Helpers on the Run aligns with my vision: to foster mental health, community engagement, and the spirit of giving back. From young children to adults, we continue to nurture individuals who are equipped to create lasting positive change in their communities.

This initiative, born from my personal and professional journey, has become more than just a project—it’s a movement that continues to inspire and change lives in ways I could have only dreamed of. As I watch it grow, I am filled with pride, knowing that Little Helpers on the Run will continue to give children the opportunity to shine, lead, and contribute in a way that truly matters.

Expanding this vision globally, Little Helpers on the Run has now reached over seven countries. Through these international efforts, we have created a lasting impact in communities around the world, providing children with the opportunity to lead, learn, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. My journey has grown beyond borders, but it remains grounded in the same values of empowerment, kindness, respect, love, and care that have always guided me.

Through our global citizenship initiatives, we’ve created opportunities for children and young people to connect across continents—from Australia to overseas, and vice versa. These intergenerational projects, alongside collaborations with universities and organizations abroad, have allowed us to create a true sense of community and shared purpose, strengthening bonds between children, adults, and cultures around the world.

My Life Journey

Little Helpers on the Run and SAZ Education

At the heart of everything I do is a vision—a vision where everyone, especially children, can play a part in making their communities better. This vision gave birth to Little Helpers on the Run and SAZ Education, two initiatives that are very close to my heart. These organizations are built on the belief that kindness, cultural sensitivity, and community spirit can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Little Helpers on the Run

SAZ Education

Little Helpers on the Run is unique in its focus on involving children in need in community work alongside other kids. I believe that when children engage in acts of kindness from a young age, it leaves a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. Our projects are all about building bridges between communities in a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive way, where young and old come together to spread kindness and positivity.

SAZ Education is another uniquely designed program, with a vision to empower communities through youth in education and preventive health. We focus on equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to take charge of their own health and well-being while also making a positive impact on their communities. By fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment in the youth, we aim to create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

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Testimonials

Collaborated With Organisation

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Projects for Departments/Organisation

The collaborations and projects listed on this bio page represent voluntary, charitable work completed without financial remuneration. These descriptions are intended solely to highlight my experience and contributions to various initiatives. The mention of any organization does not imply a formal or legal partnership or binding agreement. This information is shared solely to provide insight into the scope and nature of my charitable activities and professional background.

Every step toward growth, no matter how small, creates ripples that impact generations to come.

My Professional Background

Education has always been my foundation. I’ve earned an MBBS, a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine), IMRCS, a PhD in Surgery, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Surgery. I also hold a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122) and several other certifications. My commitment to lifelong learning continues, as I am always eager to study more and further expand my knowledge and skills.

My career has taken me through various hospital settings, where I’ve had the chance to work alongside specialists and manage a wide range of patient cases. Whether as a clinician, paramedic, conjoint lecturer, lecturer, postdoctoral fellow, social worker, or RTO assessor and trainer, I’ve always found fulfilment in mentoring students and helping them grasp complex concepts. Supporting others on their journeys has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

My Passions and Personal Interests

Beyond my professional endeavours, I find joy in cooking, exploring art through paintings and crafts, playing sports, taking peaceful walks, and immersing myself in reading. These activities bring balance and creativity to my life, while also fueling my sense of curiosity and connection to the world around me. My artistic pursuits provide a fulfilling outlet for expression, complementing my love for hands-on activities that inspire innovation and mindfulness.

I am passionate about promoting health and leisure, as I believe these play a vital role in achieving a well-rounded and fulfilling life. I enjoy travelling, experiencing diverse cultures, and discovering new cuisines, which broaden my perspective and inspire creativity in my community work.

These passions fuel my dedication to Little Helpers on the Run and SAZ Education, where I have led over 6,000 projects and collaborated with more than 210 organizations. Whether mentoring young minds or creating innovative solutions for community challenges, I am driven by a belief that every individual, when supported and inspired, can contribute positively to the world.

Additionally, I find joy in organizing and participating in events that bring people together, from wellness initiatives to creative workshops. These interests reflect my broader goal of fostering connections, encouraging self-expression, and championing preventive health through both education and engagement.

Walking the path of learning and giving, where every step and every story creates a brighter future.

Current Research Interests and Projects

I am passionately engaged in research and community-driven initiatives focused on preventive health, health literacy, and support for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. My work includes transformative projects such as the Health Literacy Initiative and women’s health programs, both locally and internationally, designed to bridge healthcare gaps and empower individuals through accessible, culturally sensitive health education and preventive care strategies.

A key area of my research interest is designing and evaluating scalable, evidence-based programs that foster intergenerational connections and child development. These include the "Inspire Program," an integrated nursing home and children's initiative that promotes meaningful interactions to enhance mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, the "Make Me a Genius" initiative provides children with diverse opportunities to nurture their talents and improve their mental health through creativity, mentorship, and empowerment.

I am committed to conducting research to assess the long-term impact of these programs on community well-being and development. If you are interested in implementing these initiatives in your country or supporting their expansion to build healthier, informed, and empowered communities, I would be honored to collaborate. Together, we can inspire positive change and pioneer scalable solutions for global health equity.

Contact Dr. Faryal Zehra

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