About Us

Asian Single Parents Network came to life in 2011, on the social networking site Meetup, and became a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) in late 2020.

ASPN offers social, emotional and practical support in order to build confidence, prevent isolation and combat the stigma attached to being a single parent in South Asian families. It operates as a ‘not for profit,’ and acts in the best interests of its members.

Separated, widowed, divorced, single by choice, living apart can all fit into the category of a single parent family. 

No matter how you arrived in your current situation, it’s important for families and children to know they are not alone. 

Aruna Bansal, Founder of ASPN

I have had 2 arranged marriages and both ended. I could have easily hidden away, but I didn’t.

I dated a Patel at university but we weren’t allowed to get married, so I came back home heartbroken. Shortly thereafter I was introduced to my first husband, but was thrown out after 2 months by the in-laws because the dowry wasn’t enough. On honeymoon, my husband said your parents didn’t buy a house or a car. I was only 21. It took me 2 years to get my clothing, personal toiletries etc back because they wouldn’t return them without going through court. My second marriage ended after 8 years as my ex insisted on still seeing his ex, and even on honeymoon wanted to wear gifts from her.

This photo was taken when I had just split up from my ex when my daughter was 4. I drove to Manchester with her in the back to see friends. I found it liberating as I had never had the courage to drive so far until then. (London being the furthest, as my ex used to drive us everywhere). 

I’m happy to share my experiences. Let’s not shy away from our past as we are stronger as a result of it! The stigma of being a single parent, was for the older generation with the dowry demands. Let’s be the change. I hope my story shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and no matter how hard things get, it’s only temporary.

Please never be ashamed of who you are or what you’ve been through, and don’t ever hesitate to reach out. Aruna x

BENEFITS

Asian Single Parents Network is a very active network and we regularly run events and activities. We intend to get Asian single parents and their kids out interacting with each other for fun, support and friendship, and to enhance lives in the process. Explore the array of benefits we offer.

Meeting like-minded adults who are going through the same experiences. It can be invaluable to speak with others who have been where you are and are willing to share their own tips for getting through.

Although your best friends may be able to lend a listening ear and sympathise with you, true empathy will come from others who are going through a similar life experience. It is also sometimes difficult to talk to family and friends because of the stigma attached within our culture.

Having company when doing activities rather than on your own.

Friendship opportunities for children which exist outside of their everyday sphere. This also helps with kids who feel different to their peers who may live in two parent households.

There are so many reasons to join!!

After the pandemic, our events moved to a mix of both in-person and virtual. Read more about the types of events we hold on our Events page.

Available in certain locations, we offer free activities which are funded for single parents and children such as badminton, coffee and walks, painting, visiting a farm etc.

Free sessions with divorce consultants who are former solicitors from reputable firms. We’ve had excellent feedback about them to date. Please ask for further information if interested.

An additional benefit is that member information is not shown on the new platform at all in the way that it was shown on Meetup. It is a private space for members to receive support.

Our partners have offered our members a number of discounts and offers. 

EVENTS

We are active hosting a mixture of fun activities for both parents and kids and experiences that are priceless.  

Daytime events for both Parents and their children: These have included activities such as a trip to London Zoo, picnic and play in various parks, bowling, ice skating, trips to the seaside, attending festivals such as the Tall Ships Festival in Greenwich, cultural events such as Holi, Diwali in Trafalgar Square, Vaisaki at Gravesend Gurudwara and Eid related events. These are just some of the many events we have held and are suitable for all ages.

Evening events for parents: these are for the adults only to have a night off! Including things such as a nice meal; drinks or a Bollywood event.

Holidays: We have been away on weekend breaks and holidays, and hope to do a lot more of these in the near future especially overseas! 

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