Steph Waring is trying "to be more grateful" in life after visiting Iraq.
The ‘Hollyoaks’ actress visited refugee camps in Iraqi Kurdistan with her charity Bring Hope Humanitarian last year, and since returning from the region she has "definitely changed personally".
She said: "I’ve been to Iraq with my charity, Bring Hope Humanitarian Foundation to visit the refugee camps out there and that was a real privilege to do.
"I’ve definitely changed personally since doing that and I’m trying to be more grateful for everything that I’ve got.
"Also, I’ve just been spending time with my girls and on myself really, by giving myself the space that you need when you’re working so much. It’s always nice to rejuvenate yourself, get fit and be kind to yourself, when you’re away from the set."
Steph – who plays Cindy Cunningham on the Channel 4 soap – recently vowed to return to the area in 2019, because she wants to help the refugees "any way" she can.
When asked if she head back to the region, the 40-year-old actress said: "Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt I will be back next year.
"I want to continue this, I really want to fight for them, and help in any way I can."
During her visit, Steph spoke to Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad’s sister, who told how her brothers were murdered and the women were sold as sex slaves after their village was invaded by ISIS.
Steph said: "I’ve come back with a sense of knowing now, because I was quite ignorant to what was going on in these war-torn countries.
"It’s not something I’ve ever thought about. It’s quite sad to think that.
"I’ve brought it home with me."
Steph Waring is ‘more grateful’ since Iraq visit
