Single and Strong

S1 Ep8 - Mental Health, Fatherhood & Breaking Cultural Silence

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 [https://aspnetwork.org.uk/listings/amit-kalley/] #MensMentalHealth #SouthAsianSingleDads #SingleParentSupport #IMD2025 #BreakingStigma

S1 Ep7 - Cultural Aspects of Divorce

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

S1 Ep6 - Breaking the Silence on Domestic Abuse

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 [http://projectsalama.co.uk]) * The Jessica Project - @_thejessicaproject_ on Instagram * Kaleidoscopic UK (www.kaleidoscopic.uk [http://www.kaleidoscopic.uk]) * Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk [http://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 [http://hestia.org]) * Chayn (chayn.co [http://chayn.co]) * Karma Nirvana (karmanirvana.org.uk - 0800 5999 247) * Southall Black Sisters (southallblacksisters.org.uk [http://southallblacksisters.org.uk]) * ManKind (mankind.org.uk - 01823 334 244) #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #DVAwarenessMonth

S1 Ep5 - Growing up in a single-parent household: Somia's Story

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

S1 Ep4 - From Single Father to Advocate: Naroop's Story

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