How to meet other mums in the UK, Wednesday, July 3, 2008 Options

[Caroline]

If you are a housewife you might find it a little difficult to meet people when you arrive in the UK. It's actually not that difficult since most councils run various forms of mother and child groups. The best way to find out about any mother and child groups is to visit your local medical centre and have a look at the brochures laying around. Most Medical centres have loads of adverts in their centre.

Other places to ask is your local churches and leisure centre - they usually have various social gatherings as well. I found this really cool website called meetmums.co.uk which is an excellent way to meet mums in your area.

If you have children at school then it would be really wise to get involved with helping out at the school. The schools tend to ask for help with cleaning after the milk round, fruit round, walking kids to swimming lessons and any other faires or events that they have.

I help walk the children to swimming lessons once a week and I find that I have got to know more mothers on a personal basis during the past two months then the previous two years. It's nice to make friends and go beyond the regular 'Hiya'.

It's also easier to befriend other mums and kids if you live in the village and not in a more remote area. We used to live on the edge of the New Forest and it was really beautiful waking up to deer in the garden and the fresh smell of horse - however, our kids social lives have really taken off since we moved into the village. It might be noisy here in the village but it sure is a sociable place to be!

The local pubs are usually very family orientated and have fun evenings such as karaoke and quiz nights. We haven't been to any yet but everybody keeps telling us that we must come because it is so much fun.

If you'r feeling a little homesick and would like to meet other South Africans in your area then do a facebook search for South African groups in the UK. I belong to "South Africans in Bournemouth" and we are having a gathering next weekend. Your local South African shop might also have some info on local South African get togethers.

Don't allow yourself to be intimidated by all the new stuff - just get on with it.

[Maryne]

Thanks for the great advice, Caroline. We'll be arriving with our two little boys (2 and 4) in December and will be living in a little village in Surrey. I'm looking forward to the country air and the space but I'm nervous of the isolation. The boys will be going to school from January so I'll try to get involved as best I can. I see myself probably going back to work part time towards the middle of the year when everyone is settled.

Are you happy?

[Caroline]

Thanks for the great advice, Caroline. We'll be arriving with our two little boys (2 and 4) in December and will be living in a little village in Surrey. I'm looking forward to the country air and the space but I'm nervous of the isolation. The boys will be going to school from January so I'll try to get involved as best I can. I see myself probably going back to work part time towards the middle of the year when everyone is settled.

Are you happy?

Hi Maryne

Yes I am happy.

The only moan that I have about the UK is the weather-I like being outdoors so it is an issue for me. It is a completely different life than in SA but it is a good life. I know some people who love it here and some who are terribly homesick for SA.

Just remember that the UK is like SA - not every part of the country is the same and not all English people are the same. i.e Durban and JHB offer two completely different lifestyles - so does London and Bournemouth.

It takes about 2 years to get really comfortable and to feel a part of the community.

Best of luck with your move - let me know if you need any info or anything.

Caroline