Fatima Zaman Interview
In this interview with Cllr Fatima Zaman, CEO of Serenity UK Care, UN Women UK Participant, and Pakistan Girls Education Ambassador, we explore her mission to transform mental health recovery through dignity, compassion, and holistic care. With a background in forensic psychology, DBT, and ethical leadership training from Goldsmiths and Oxford, she has pioneered evidence-informed programmes that rebuild lives beyond clinical recovery. Beyond her work in mental health, Fatima is a passionate advocate for gender equity and education, using global platforms like UN Women UK and PAGE to champion opportunities for girls. At the heart of her journey lies a clear purpose—to create inclusive systems that empower individuals, especially women and marginalized communities, to live healthier, more hopeful lives.
Building a care model rooted in dignity
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to co-found Serenity UK Care, and what makes its approach to mental health support different?”
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “Serenity UK Care was born from a personal passion and a professional frustration with how mental health services often overlook the person behind the diagnosis. I wanted to create a service that treats people with empathy, respect, and patience. At Serenity, we don’t just focus on managing symptoms we aim to rebuild lives. Our approach is trauma-informed, recovery-focused, and deeply person-centred. We combine proven techniques like CBT and DBT with holistic care, including support for physical health, nutrition, and meaningful social engagement. Our services also support individuals through long-term transitions, ensuring that recovery is not just clinical but deeply integrated into everyday life. I’ve always believed mental health care should feel empowering, not limiting. Through Serenity, our mission is to provide a space where people are truly seen, heard, and supported to live independent, fulfilled lives.”
Blending psychology with ethical leadership
The UK Times: How has your academic background at Goldsmiths and Oxford influenced your leadership and clinical approach?
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “My academic journey has been incredibly foundational to how I lead and develop care at Serenity UK Care. Goldsmiths helped me dive deep into the human mind, especially through forensic psychology, while also encouraging critical thinking and compassion. Later, my time at Oxford’s Saïd Business School allowed me to sharpen my executive leadership skills learning how to make ethical decisions, manage teams, and innovate within systems. This blend of psychological insight and strategic thinking is what guides my work today. I believe that effective leadership in mental health requires both heart and discipline. I draw on both my education and my hands-on experience to create frameworks that are empathetic yet structured, evidence-based yet flexible. Ultimately, I lead with purpose: to build inclusive systems that work for real people, especially those who are often left behind.”
Bridging the gap between crisis and long-term recovery
The UK Times: What is the biggest challenge in mental health rehabilitation today, and how does Serenity UK Care address it?
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “One of the biggest challenges in mental health rehabilitation is the disconnect between acute crisis care and long-term recovery. People often receive short-term interventions but lack consistent, ongoing support to rebuild their lives. At Serenity, we bridge that gap. Our services don’t stop at stabilization we focus on what comes after: regaining independence, developing life skills, and building confidence. We provide supported housing, therapeutic programs, and holistic care that includes both emotional and physical well-being. We understand that recovery is not linear and requires time, patience, and trust. That’s why we use trauma-informed approaches and create personalised care plans with the individuals we serve. By integrating families, clinicians, and community partners into the process, we ensure no one is left behind. Our goal is to provide a safe, empowering environment where individuals feel capable of not just surviving, but thriving.”
Linking education, equity, and mental health
The UK Times: You’ve been a UN Women UK delegate and a Pakistan Girls Education Ambassador. How do these global roles connect to your work in mental health?
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “Mental health and gender equity are deeply intertwined, especially in underrepresented and marginalised communities. My work with UN Women UK and as a Girls Education Ambassador for Pakistan has helped me understand how systemic barriers like lack of access to education or patriarchal norms can directly impact mental well-being. These roles give me a global platform to advocate for holistic care and emotional resilience, particularly for young girls. When a girl receives an education, she gains more than knowledge she gains autonomy, confidence, and tools to navigate challenges, including mental health struggles. I bring this perspective into my work at Serenity too. Whether I’m developing mental health programs or leading policy discussions internationally, I always centre the individual’s lived experience. Empowering women and girls through education and mental health support isn’t just a passion of mine it’s a necessity for global progress.”
The foundation for a healthy mind
The UK Times: Serenity UK Care emphasises holistic healing. Can you share how you incorporate wellness and physical health into your mental health programs?
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “At Serenity UK Care, we firmly believe that a healthy body can significantly support a healthy mind. That’s why our programs integrate physical wellness as a fundamental part of recovery. We encourage service users to engage in daily movement, whether that’s attending the gym, taking part in yoga sessions, or even simple outdoor walks. Nutrition is also a big focus we support balanced eating as part of our wellbeing plans. But it’s more than just physical activity; it’s about building routines, self-discipline, and confidence. These activities not only improve overall health but also support emotional regulation and help reduce anxiety and depression. Everything we do is personalised, so we work closely with individuals to understand what wellness means for them. By combining psychological therapies like DBT with practical, body-based approaches, we ensure that recovery is comprehensive, sustainable, and centred around the whole person not just their diagnosis.”
Staying ahead through learning
The UK Times: How do you ensure that Serenity UK Care remains innovative and relevant in such a complex sector?
Cllr Fatima Zaman replied, “Innovation in mental health care is about constantly listening, learning, and evolving. At Serenity, we’ve built a culture that encourages feedback not just from professionals, but from our service users themselves. Their lived experience is our greatest teacher. We stay ahead by integrating the latest evidence-based therapies, like DBT and trauma-informed models, while also investing in staff development. Training, mentorship, and reflective supervision are part of our DNA. Internally, we promote from within to nurture passionate, knowledgeable leaders. Externally, we collaborate with commissioners, families, and experts across disciplines to co-create care models that are flexible and forward-thinking. Technology also plays a role we’re exploring digital tools that can complement in-person therapy and support 24/7 care. Most importantly, we lead with compassion and curiosity. That’s what keeps Serenity innovative we’re not just meeting today’s standards; we’re helping to shape tomorrow’s.”
Creating systems of care
Lastly we asked, “What legacy do you hope to leave behind both as a leader in mental health and as an advocate for girls’ education?”
“My hope is to leave behind systems and spaces that truly honour people’s humanity. In mental health, I want Serenity UK Care to stand as a model for how trauma-informed, person-centred care can transform lives not temporarily, but in deeply lasting ways. I want to inspire new generations of care providers to lead with purpose, compassion, and evidence. As an advocate for girls’ education, my dream is for every girl especially in under-resourced areas to have access to learning and the freedom to pursue her goals. Education gives power, and with power comes mental resilience. If I can contribute to building a world where women and girls are emotionally and intellectually equipped to lead their own journeys, then I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving. It’s all about impact that endures, not just through institutions, but through every individual whose life has been touched.” Cllr Fatima Zaman concluded
Connect with Cllr Fatima Zaman on LinkedIn
For more information visit Serenity UK Care
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