CEO / Editor of Chief: Natasha Syed
Managing Editor: Shumila Shah
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Danny Singh
Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Assisted by Iman Chana
Location / Shot In: Jeru Mayfair, London
Interview by Kaniz Ali
With over 20 years of experience in social care specialising in rehabilitation and mental health recovery, award-winning leader Fatima Zaman speaks exclusively to Kaniz Ali for British Muslim Magazine.
Fatima’s accolades include King’s College London Award 2018, The Bharat Bhagyavidhata Mahatma Ghandi award for Social Activist and Entrepreneur 2024 and the Pakistan Achievement Awards Humanitarian of The Year 2024.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background?
Fatima: I come from a family with a proud legacy of service and dedication. My maternal grandfather was a Colonel in the Royal British Army prior to the partition of Pakistan, and my father, who served in the Pakistan Army, retired as a Major. Both were part of the artillery, and their dedication to their respective roles left an indelible mark on me. I am the second of six children and share a particularly close bond with my mother.
In the early 1990s, my family moved from Karachi, Pakistan, to the UK, bringing with us the values of unity, resilience, and a commitment to one another. Growing up in a close-knit family instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and the desire to give back, which naturally led me to a career in social care.
After completing my education at Goldsmiths College, I began my journey in social care as a volunteer. Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated myself to this field, focusing on recovery and rehabilitation for adults with mental illnesses. Today, I run a group of care homes, where our mission is to provide innovative, compassionate, and recovery-focused care.
My dedication and innovative approaches to mental health care have been recognised on several occasions. In 2018, I was honoured by King’s College London for my pioneering work in recovery and rehabilitation. In 2021, I was Highly Commended for the Women of the Future Awards in the Public Service category. I have also received accolades from the Pakistan Achievement Awards, including the Humanitarian of the Year award in 2024 and a place on the prestigious British Pakistani POWER 100 list. That same year, I was awarded the Bharat Bhagya Mahatma Gandhi Award for Entrepreneurship and Social Activism. Recently, I was recognised as a Top 100 Influential People Winner for 2025.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to causes close to my heart. As an Ambassador for the Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education, as a Councillor for Selsdon Vale and Forestdale in Croydon, I actively engage in local governance, ensuring my community thrives.
In addition, I contribute to the Conservative Muslim Forum as an executive member and serve on the steering committee of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan, fostering community engagement and representation. Currently, I am collaborating with the British Asian Trust, providing expertise for transformative projects in Pakistan, particularly at the Cowasjee Mental Institute.
I am proud to be recognised for my integrity, justice, and compassion. These values drive me, both in my personal life and professional endeavours, as I strive to support vulnerable individuals and uplift my community. Whether it is advocating for mental health care, empowering underprivileged children through education, or working towards social justice, I am deeply committed to improving the lives of others.
My journey is a testament to the power of dedication, empathy, and perseverance. With every step, I aim to be a catalyst for change, inspiring hope and transformation in the lives of those I serve.
Kaniz: What inspired you to head into the world of politics?
Fatima: I was inspired to enter the world of politics by a multitude of deeply rooted motivations, each tied to a vision of creating meaningful and lasting change. At the core of this decision was a profound desire to tackle pressing societal issues such as inequality, injustice, and the persistent lack of support for the social care sector, particularly in the realm of mental health. These challenges have a significant impact on the lives of so many, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility to work toward solutions that prioritise empathy, inclusivity, and resilience.
Kaniz: You are also an entrepreneur tell us more?
Fatima: My entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal realisation that the conventional methods of delivering care to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders were often insufficient in addressing the full scope of their needs.
I believed there had to be a better way, a way that was compassionate, empowering, and genuinely transformative. This belief ignited a deep passion within me to redefine how care was provided, and with the support of my family, we took a bold step by converting our own family home into a nurturing care facility. This home was designed not just to offer clinical support but to provide a sanctuary rooted in empathy, recovery, and hope.
Kaniz: What does Ramadhan mean to you?
Fatima: Ramadan holds a deeply personal and sacred place in my heart as a time to strengthen my connection with Allah through increased worship, prayer, and recitation of the Qur’an. It is a month where I consciously step back from the distractions of daily life to focus on spiritual growth, discipline, and gratitude for Allah’s countless blessings.
My favourite part of Ramadhan is the sense of deep piety and spirituality that permeates the entire month. It is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and devotion, offering an opportunity to strengthen one’s connection with Allah. The act of fasting, which goes beyond refraining from food and drink, serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control, empathy for others, and the temporary nature of worldly desires. It is a month that allows for personal growth, a time to purify the soul, and an opportunity to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
Kaniz: If Fatima could disappear anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Fatima: If I could disappear anywhere in the world, it would undoubtedly be somewhere immersed in the serene beauty of nature. There is something deeply restorative about the peace and tranquillity that only nature can provide. In a world filled with constant noise and the demands of everyday life, finding a space to disconnect is not just a luxury, but a necessity.
Kaniz: If Fatima was not a councillor, what would she be?
Fatima: If I was not serving as a councillor, I would undoubtedly channel my energy and dedication into my true passion as a mental health professional. My unwavering commitment to recovery and rehabilitation is evident in my ongoing collaborations and initiatives. Currently, I have partnered with the British Asian Trust, offering my expertise in transformative mental health projects in Pakistan, particularly with the Cowasjee Mental Institute, a centre working to redefine mental health care in the region. Through this collaboration, I am actively contributing to a system that provides accessible, compassionate, and effective mental health services, aiming to bring dignity and hope to those affected.
