5 minutes with: Jaz Rai OBE

What was the inspiration behind the Sikh Recovery Network? 

It followed my own experience with addiction. I started drinking at 17, and by the age of 26 I was a full-blown alcoholic who struggled to function without alcohol. In 2008 I was caught drink-driving for the third time. The alcohol had mentally and physically brought me to my knees. The guilt, shame and self-pity I carried around with me constantly blocked the reality I had to face.

It was January 2009 when it all came to a head. For the first time I was fed up with my life and wanted to change. My last alcoholic drink was on 30 January 2009 and I haven’t had one since. In 2016 we launched  the Sikh Recovery Network, which is now a registered charity offering a cultural and faith-centred approach to recovery.

Is alcohol and drug addiction a particular concern in the Sikh community? If so, why do you think this is? 

Alcohol and drug addiction are still taboo subjects in the Panjabi Sikh community and there is a lot of stigma attached to them. Individuals affected and their families are sometimes reluctant to talk to anyone because of the shame and even feeling they might be ostracised by their own community.

The pandemic has had a significant impact; during lockdown people’s drinking in some cases increased due to working from home, while some who were furloughed may have used drink to overcome boredom. People in recovery couldn’t access physical meetings and found the isolation very difficult, although online meetings were available and are now used in recovery.

You received a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2020 and an OBE in 2021 in recognition of your work. How do you feel about this recognition?

Points of Light awards are made daily by the UK Prime Minister to volunteers who are making a change in their community. I was very humbled at receiving both of these awards. The experience has been quite overwhelming because I never do or did the work for any recognition other than giving hope to people that they too can live a life free of alcohol and drugs, but it is good knowing your work is appreciated.

In 2022 you received an honorary degree from the University of Derby – what was the experience of receiving the award like? 

Receiving the Honorary Degree from the University of Derby was really touching. To be recognised from my home city was particularly special, as was sharing the experience with my family there.

What does your life look like outside your charity work? 

I’m a family man, married with two children and a grandson. I still work full-time at Rolls-Royce in Derby and enjoy my work there. I take a keen interest in current affairs. I am also a Liverpool fan and occasionally go to watch them with my family who are also Liverpool mad.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

My hopes are that we continue to reach out to addicts, provide the support they need and help them into recovery. We will be particularly focusing on supporting families as well in the future, as they are sometimes forgotten and are affected as addiction is a family illness.

What is your advice to anyone living with addiction?

I’d advise them to reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help. All organisations - including those like ours that are peer-led - provide confidential support; your anonymity is respected and you won’t be judged.

Find out more about the work of the Sikh Recovery Network.

Written by Heather Turley