KatyaM

Hello there,

I am a Brit who has returned to the UK (London)after 3 years away in the USA and Australia for work/study. Does anyone know of any groups/clubs etc for UK folk who have lived overseas in the south of England/London?

I have come back as a single woman of 39 to find that old acquaintences have moved on and only several close or new friends remain in touch. I left the UK for work due to the recession a few years agohaving specialist skills, and am suffering terrible reverse culture shock. People seem very cold and unfriendly here with doors shut. I'd love to find a place to meet others in the same boat. I opted to return as there were no longer many work possibilities in Australia in my field and I missed my parents and close friend very much. But only a few weeks in, I'm reminded of all the reasons why I left in the first place, e.g. unfriendly culture of London, having specialist skills at work that aren't as in demand here.

I see many groups for different ex pat nationalities moving here, e.g. Aussies, Americans but nothing for folks in my shoes. I relate better to those nationalities and feel in the same situation here. etc.

Many thanks for any tips.
Katya

Suexpat

Hi Katya I found the same in the UK especially after returning form Australia. Whereabouts in the south of England do you live/work?

BEVS

Now then. I have not done this at all but have you thought about the Womens Institute Cue sleazy innuendoes and snooze buttons about baking eternal sponges.

I'm just thinking that this would be a way to meet all sorts of women in all walks of life. You pick and choose what suits you . Or what about Look Out London .

KatyaM

Hi Sue,
I'm in London at the moment, and working from home. Mainly looking at social routes in the London area, but not sure if I'll stay in London long-term. Anything around the city would be great for starters.
Many thanks,
Katya

Editha

I have a friend in London, who has joined her local WI. Although the average age of WI members is over 50, newer groups in cities are often much younger. You could attend a couple of meetings to see it it was your kind of thing.

Bud the Wiser

http://www.meetup.com/cities/gb/

Bermudashorts

I am thinking of going along to my local WI, been thinking about it for about a year now. They meet first Tuesday of the month so another opportunity beckons!

OP another option is Social and Activity Groups and events / Spice London - Spice London. I was a member years ago, when I was in my early 30s, I think the average age is probably more like a late 30s. I mainly participated in the Sunday walking groups and walking weekends, but occasionally would try out some of the quirkier activities.

Perth

Have you thought about volunteering? Finding something you have an interest in will bring like minded friends, with the added benefit of contributing to your community. Another idea: if you like walking, there are Ramblers groups all over the country. Checking out meet-ups for your areas, as someone else suggested, is also a good idea.

KatyaM

Thanks very much everyone for the suggestions!! Really kind of you to reply. What I was thinking of more was a place to meet folks who got the culture shock and had some experience of it, as an easier bridge back into British life than just doing "British" activities. Oh well. Many thanks.

Perth

Oh yes, I see. But with respect, after only 3 years away can it really be culture shock instead of maybe just the wrong place for you? You did mention that you left the UK because it did not suit you. I think meeting with Australians and Americans might actually be a good idea. As you said, you identify more with them, and they are possibly going through culture shock too. But, as likely, spending time with them may solidify whether you really want to be there. Whatever you chose to do, I wish you the best of luck.

Suexpat

If you are living in London then look at the Australian associations, also look at evening and weekend events at the museums these have a real mix of people. I never found groups for Expats that had lived abroad, most English when they return settle back into their old life style.

You haven't been away from the UK for very long so as someone else suggested look at meet up groups in your area.

Good luck with finding something.

Siouxie

I'm not sure if this is of use to you but they seem to have a fair number of links to Expat meetups around the UK.

General clubs for internationals in the UK | Out & About | Expatica United Kingdom

quoll

Not really found the need for a returnee expat support group I'm afraid although I do bump into the odd returnee from time to time. I found most support and friendship through knitting groups of all things - huge range of people with different life experiences of all ages and something lovely produced at the end of the process. I daresay there are some areas of London which are friendlier than others but I suspect it suffers from Big City Syndrome rather than smaller community friendliness - given the profile of London these days it looks like more folk are movers in from somewhere. Good luck finding your niche!

KatyaM

Thanks so much to all for their kind remarks.

aries

I don't know your field of work, but in Australia did you look further afield than one major city, and have you only wanted to live there? Australia's biggest cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are very big compared with most UK cities, and they have different qualities and job opportunities, they are all worth exploring for work.

I've watched many "Wanted Down Under" programmes, and am astonished that when some participants can't find much in their field of work in the city they've spent a week or so, they wrongly assume it applies everywhere. Some later look elsewhere, and end up working and living in another state.

I can understand your reverse culture shock. Although I liked Australia I returned to England after 2 years, but within a year I was back in in Oz. Everyone I knew had moved away, so I did the same. I've lived in other places during my long stint there, but Australia always felt like home. I am back in England now, but after four and a half years I still feel like a fish out of water. I am sure many other BE members suffer similar feelings after living in other countries, but moving again isn't always easy.