Episode #80: When the system fails with Nav Mirza, Founder of Dads Unlimited

In this episode, Kate was joined by Nav Mirza to talk about his experience of divorce, what happens when the system fails and why he founded Dads Unlimited.

Dads Unlimited is a men’s mental health charity working with fathers who have gone through family separation and male victims of domestic abuse. Its purpose is to help improve the outcomes for the men and the people they care for. Nav wanted to make life easier for dads in his situation, and provide the advice, support and community he didn’t have.

Nav has a background in law having previously called to the Bar. He’s helped set up the Independent Police Complaints Commission; held senior positions from the NHS Chief Executive programme, as well as a host of strategic, tactical and operational roles from across Central Government, including the House of Commons, House of Lords and the Home Office.

Coming up to the one-year mark of the introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales, which came into law on April 6th 2022, this episode is all about what happens when the system fails, and future reforms in this space. Kate began this episode by exploring Nav’s experience of divorce and the various ways he and his family were let down by the legal system and other public bodies. They explore positive reforms that have taken place since Nav’s separation, as well as future reforms that need to happen to help protect people in similar situations in the future. Nav also explains more about the wonderful work of Dads Unlimted.  

Trigger Warning: This episode covers content that some listeners might find distressing including poor mental health, suicide and abuse.

Organisations who can help:

• Dads Unlimited
• Your local GP
• Mind - mental health charity
• Samaritans - dial 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258
• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19
• Is your life in danger? - dial 999
• Outside of the UK? Search for help here