In conversation with host Annabelle Ariyanayagam, Somia opens up about her experiences growing up in a single-parent household. They discuss the cultural perceptions surrounding single parenthood, the idealisation of marriage and the pressures faced by South Asian women - highlighting how important community support is.

Listen to the episode to find out how Somia navigated her journey within a single-parent family dynamic. 

We hope you’re inspired by Somia’s story which celebrates the strength of single mothers.

❗Please note: Somia was one of the editors at DESIblitz

#SingleParents #AsianSingleParents #SouthAsianParents #FamilyDynamics #CulturalExpectations #CommunitySupport #Identity

In this episode, Annabelle Ariyanayagam speaks with Naroop, the founder of the Dad Project. Naroop opens up about his journey as a single father and an advocate for mental health, particularly within the South Asian community. 

From redefining the role of fatherhood to perceptions of masculinity, Naroop shares his perspective on parenting by example and the need for open communication.

We hope you’re inspired by Naroop’s honesty, resilience and advocacy for mental health.

#MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #BreakingStigma #SingleParents #AsianSingleParents #SouthAsianCommunity

From Toxicity to Triumph: Mala’s Story - episode 3 of our Single and Strong podcast is out now!

The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. You can access it using our Linktree - linktr.ee/aspnetwork

Getting out of a toxic marriage is not easy but in this week’s episode, Mala shares her inspiring journey transitioning to a new life as a single parent. 

In conversation with host Annabelle Ariyanayagam, Mala opens up about the physical and mental toll of a toxic relationship with an alcohol addict and what advice she has for others. She also discusses the challenges of parenting, especially with a child who has autism and the stigma surrounding mental health in the South Asian community.

We hope you will take inspiration from Mala’s story and be motivated by her journey of self-care and personal growth.

#ToxicMarriage #PersonalGrowth #Stigma #SingleParent #AsianSingleParents #SouthAsianCommunity

Being a single dad can feel incredibly lonely and support can seem hard to find, whether from support groups or simply hearing other single dads’ stories.

In the second episode of Single and Strong, host Annabelle Ariyanayagam speaks with Sukhy, a South Asian single dad in the UK. Sukhy shares his journey and the challenges he faced during divorce, including the impact on his children and the cultural stigma surrounding single parenthood. He also opens up about co-parenting and shares some helpful advice for other single dads.

Sukhy emphasises the importance of changing the perceptions of fatherhood and the strength of single fathers.

We hope you will be inspired by Sukhy’s strength and resilience. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

Support groups mentioned in the episode:

• Dads Unlimited - dadsunltd.org.uk 

• Both Parents Matter - bothparentsmatter.org.uk 

  
  

#AsianSingleParents #SouthAsians #SingleDad #Divorce #CoParenting #Fatherhood #Stigma #SouthAsianCommunity #Resilience

Episode description:

Leaving an abusive marriage is not easy, especially when children are involved. In the first episode of Single and Strong, Ashy, a mother of two, shares her journey from experiencing domestic abuse to becoming an advocate for others in similar situations. 

In this powerful conversation with host Annabelle Ariyanayagam, Ashy discusses the complexities of single parenthood, the cultural stigmas faced by South Asian women and the importance of support systems in overcoming domestic abuse. Ashy also sheds light on finding empowerment through her children and why respect and equality are important for healthy family dynamics.

Ashy’s commitment in helping others and making a change is truly inspiring. We hope that her story resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped. 

If you or someone you know is affected by abuse, here are some organisations that can help:

• Women’s Aid - womensaid.org.uk 
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust - suzylamplugh.org | 0808 802 0300
• Refuge/National Domestic Abuse Helpline - refuge.org.uk | 0808 2000 247
• Men’s Advice Line - mensadviceline.org.uk | 0808 801 0237
• Hestia - hestia.org 
• Chayn - chayn.co 
• Karma Nirvana - karmanirvana.org.uk | 0800 5999 247
• Southall Black Sisters - southallblacksisters.org.uk 
• Kaleidoscopic UK - www.kaleidoscopic.uk
• ManKind - mankind.org.uk | 0808 800 1170
• The Zinthiya Trust - zinthiyatrust.org
• Surviving Economic Abuse - survivingeconomicabuse.org
• Refuge Tech Safety - refugetechsafety.org 

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Our blog post on ‘Family Dynamics in Arranged Marriages and the Law’ which discusses coercive control may also be helpful to you - aspnetwork.org.uk/family-dynamics-in-arranged-marriages-and-the-law 

#AsianSingleParents #SouthAsians #SingleParenthood #DomesticAbuse #SouthAsianCommunity #SingleMum #Empowerment #Resilience