About Us
Our Story by Indy Samra (Development Lead – Apnapan)
Why Apnapan?
This signifies Family. Our mission is bringing people together to connect, grow, inspire and build a strong sense of family and community for everyone.
The heartbeat of Apnapan is centered on my own family. Being the youngest I have been blessed to have great role models to look up to. Growing up my parents would attend community events and regularly visit the gurudwara as a family.
In his early 30’s, dad was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis, which resulted in him not being able to continue with his manual labouring work. Mum became a carer whist raising three children and worked part time. Despite the pressures my parents were going through, they remained calm and radiated positivity, both inside and outside the home. They attended community centres regularly, changing three buses or by car to visit centres in Nottingham and Derby, where they freely and confidently conversed in Panjabi. Participating in these social activities was their commitment to their own well-being. This enhanced their physical, mental, social wellness. They ceased opportunities and enjoyed trying something new, stepping out their comfort zones. Of recent years after the unfortunate passing of firstly my dad followed by my brother, mum continues with her commitment to her selfcare and wellbeing by attending community projects, which me and my sister know are a helping hand for our mum.
Growing up influenced by community spirit, my siblings took career paths community focused with both starting as youth workers before progressing onto other roles to support individuals, families and communities.
From a young age, my family have inspired me to also work and volunteer in the community.
In spring 2022 I was contacted by Macmillan Cancer Support at Leicester Royal Infirmary to possibly set up a cancer support group with emphasis to be more appealing to the South Asian communities of Leicester.
Apnapan Cancer Support Group started in October 2022. The two groups continue to thrive.
Apnapan Serenity is a mindfulness meditation group, it was piloted initially as block program and with unanimous feedback from participants, these sessions continue in person and extending to once a month online,
Apnapan Women’s group was formed in May 2023 from being approached by some Panjabi women who wanted a group with more scope and be different to some they were already attending.
Apnapan Active is supporting movement for people living with long term health conditions. A fun and enjoyable atmosphere with no pressure or judgements.
Apnapan Sibling Memories. Kuljit and I lost our dear brother in 2018, we feel this grief is overlooked at times. In 2025, we will be commencing a new project where siblings can share memories and stories for their brothers and sisters.
The outcomes of the projects are for everyone to be comfortable and to have the opportunity if they wish to share their own lived experiences, learn from one another, discover and try something new in a safe space.
The impact is to enjoy, build confidence, promote movement and lessen isolation and loneliness, which will overall improve physical, mental and social wellness.
Apnapan’s values are very much influenced by my family, to work with people, families and communities, promoting integration and being inclusive to all.
All projects are group led and evaluated regularly.
Apnapan has three directors who also have careers in community work. They are, Kuljit Samra – Former Social Work Team Manager, Saiqa Waheed – Early Help Case Manager in Children Services and Yesim Deveci – Senior University Lecturer. My current role is Development Lead.
We work closely in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and Active Together, plus other local community partners and organisations. We would like to thank our funders, donators and fundraisers who have supported us to continue the work we do.
We are also grateful to our registered volunteers who initially started attending the groups, for their commitment and valued contributions.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We would like to welcome you to Apnapan.
Indy Samra
Development Lead – Apnapan
