Single and Strong

Host Amit Kalley sits down with three South Asiansingle fathers, Tony, Gurpreet & Ravi, as they speak openly about life after divorce, raising children alone, and the emotional battles that often go unseen.

💬 In this raw and honest conversation, they discuss:

🧠 Depression and loneliness🧠The pressure to always be “strong”🧠 Equal parenting and proving themselves as dads🧠 Cultural stigma around divorce & single fathers🧠 Learning to ask for help, even when it feels impossible

A moment that lingers:"Live life, don't just exist."

Their stories remind us:

✨ Men feel deeply✨Men struggle too✨Vulnerability is courage

To every dad out there navigating separation, uncertainty,or emotional overwhelm, you are not alone. There is support. There is community. There is hope.

So, as we move beyond International Men’s Day, let’s keepthe conversation alive:

✨ Check in on the dads you know✨Make space for men to talk about feelings without judgement✨Share stories like these, they can be lifelines

🔗 Catch up on the episode now and help spread this dialogue.
Someone out there needs to hear it today, just as much as last week.

Note: Host Amit Kalley is also listed as an expert in the Asian Single Parents Network’s directory, The Trusted Network - Amit Kalley - Parenting Coach - Asian Single Parents Network CIC

#MensMentalHealth #SouthAsianSingleDads #SingleParentSupport #IMD2025 #BreakingStigma

In this episode, host and ASPN director Shaili Gohil-Desai leads a panel discussion with Irwin Mitchell lawyers Sangeeta Kohli and Sarah Al-Jourani, as well as Financial Adviser Jodie Phelps. Together, they explore the complexities of divorce and separation from a South Asian perspective. 

The panel discussion covers topics such as the legal standing of Islamic, Hindu and Sikh divorces in the UK, financial provisions, common pitfalls and the importance of community support.

The episode also introduces our new directory: The Trusted Network, designed for all types of single parents, at different stages of their journey - whether it’s seeking financial advice, divorce support or something else entirely. 

Sarah and Jodie are both part of The Trusted Network alongside other experts such as family lawyers, mediators and more! With a unique South Asian focus, The Trusted Network offers a more personalised and culturally aware resource for our community. 

The Trusted Network is available now for members and will be available publicly soon.

#SouthAsian #SingleParents #AsianSingleParents #FamilyLaw #CulturalExpectations

Domestic abuse is not easy to talk or hear about but it’s important for us to open up about the challenges survivors are going through.

In this special panel episode of Single and Strong, Somia, one of our directors, sat down with three incredible frontline advocates: 

• Jacqui Mukono, Founder of Project Salama, which provides vital support and advocacy for those affected by abuse

• Sumanjit Kakkad, a dedicated support worker at Project Salama who works closely with survivors navigating complex challenges

• Priya Dawkins, Founder of The Jessica Project, a qualified ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) and IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate), specialising in supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

They discussed the complexities of domestic abuse, particularly within South Asian communities - exploring stigma, survivor challenges, as well as the cultural barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help.

The panel also highlighted the need for survivor-led support and how the community can play a part in addressing domestic abuse issues.

If you are experiencing abuse or know someone who is, help is available through organisations such as:

• Project Salama (projectsalama.co.uk)

• The Jessica Project - @_thejessicaproject_ on Instagram

• Kaleidoscopic UK (www.kaleidoscopic.uk)

• Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk)

• Suzy Lamplugh Trust (suzylamplugh.org - 0808 802 0300)

• Refuge (refuge.org.uk - 0808 2000 247)

• Men’s Advice Line (mensadviceline.org.uk - 0808 8010237)

• Hestia (hestia.org)

• Chayn (chayn.co)

• Karma Nirvana (karmanirvana.org.uk - 0800 5999 247)

• Southall Black Sisters (southallblacksisters.org.uk)

• ManKind (mankind.org.uk - 01823 334 244)

#DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #DVAwarenessMonth

In a discussion with host Annabelle Ariyanayagam, Bobby, Non-Executive Director of ASPN and former single parent, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a difficult marriage and rebuilding her life. She discusses the importance of resilience and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Bobby also highlights the significance of vision boards. She shared her own experience and also those of others, stressing how helpful it can be to visualise your goals - whether it be career, personal or finance goals. Bobby is passionate about mentoring others and helping them manifest their best life.

We hope Bobby’s story inspires you to take a positive step in your life or maybe even make your own vision board 😊

Since recording, Bobby has announced that she is engaged. Huge congratulations to her and her fiancé  💍

#Visualisation #VisionBoards #SingleParents #AsianSingleParents

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