A Visit to UKAT Oasis Runcorn Open Day: A Personal and Powerful Reminder

Recently, The Salik Project UK attended the Open Day at UKAT’s Oasis Rehabilitation Centre in Runcorn. This event was not only a professional opportunity to learn about their work but also a deeply personal experience for us.

We had a close family member who was admitted to Oasis Runcorn. Although they have sadly passed away, they often spoke with gratitude about the care and compassion they received there. For them, Oasis was a place of safety, dignity, and hope — a vital part of their recovery journey. Visiting during the Open Day brought this to life and reminded us that behind every addiction story is a person deserving of care and respect.

A Centre Committed to Healing

Oasis Runcorn, part of the UK Addiction Treatment (UKAT) group, offers tailored residential programmes with a holistic approach. Their treatment includes therapy, counselling, holistic activities, family involvement, and continued aftercare, all designed to rebuild the whole person, not just treat addiction symptoms.

Access to Quality Rehab: A Funding Barrier

Despite the quality care UKAT provides, many South Asians in the UK face funding challenges that limit access to centres like Oasis. High-quality private rehab often comes at a significant cost, and funding opportunities through local authorities or charities remain limited.

At The Salik Project UK, we believe everyone deserves access to the best possible treatment, regardless of financial means. We will campaign tirelessly to increase funding and pathways that make quality rehab accessible to all in need.

Breaking the Silence: Conversations with Zaheem Ahmed

At the Open Day, we spoke with Zaheem Ahmed, Head of Therapy at UKAT, who shared vital insights about addiction in South Asian communities. He highlighted how stigma and shame create barriers to seeking help, with many families choosing silence over conversation. This leads to delayed or missed interventions and contributes to severe underreporting of addiction in these communities.

Without honest dialogue and engagement, addiction remains invisible, making it harder to secure the resources and support our communities desperately need.

Our Commitment: Taking This Message Forward

The Open Day was a powerful reminder of the work ahead. The Salik Project UK is dedicated to:

• Raising awareness and dismantling stigma around addiction.

• Campaigning for fair access to quality rehabilitation.

• Supporting community conversations that encourage openness.

• Collaborating with providers like UKAT to ensure culturally sensitive care.

  
  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to UKAT for hosting the Open Day and welcoming us so warmly. Together, we will continue to work towards a future where addiction is understood, supported, and treated with compassion and fairness.

Addiction is not a moral failing — it’s a health issue and a community challenge that demands our collective action.