Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Dec 22nd 2010, 7:23 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 132
Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Hello Everyone,
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
Dec 22nd 2010, 8:28 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Phibun Mangsahan Ubon Province Thailand.
Posts: 1,073
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Hello Everyone,
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
Dec 22nd 2010, 1:01 pm
#3
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Hello Everyone,
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
A few of us have been discussing the idea of organizing a centre/house for new returnees. This would be for those who have no family/friends to help and give support in those first few weeks back in Blighty. We have also talked about the ex-expats who have settled back already and might have a spare room available.
Many have returned and not known what part of the country to settle in and have a need to explore different areas.
Obviously this will take some planning, but quite a few expat friends have already offered to help with a place to stay!
Trottytrue has already given us the heads up and many seem to think it's a good idea.
All ideas are welcome and a few have already been discussed on the 50's/60's thread.
We look forward to hearing from you all.
Tanto
Some well thought-out ideas - there are already some online opportunities for relatively temporary accommodation (e.g., spareroom.co.uk), but staying with other expats means you will have a sympathetic host/landlord, and probably a lot more flexibility than with a regular landlord.
Dec 22nd 2010, 5:55 pm
#4
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 132
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Some well thought-out ideas - there are already some online opportunities for relatively temporary accommodation (e.g., spareroom.co.uk), but staying with other expats means you will have a sympathetic host/landlord, and probably a lot more flexibility than with a regular landlord.
Dec 22nd 2010, 7:08 pm
#5
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Just on the surface of it, I think the network of spare rooms is a better idea than worrying about an actual house - for one thing, so many people will be heading back to places all over the British Isles and for another the cost would be much less. Presumably the whole thing could be managed online if a good programmer was involved upfront.
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
Dec 22nd 2010, 7:57 pm
#6
Home Sweet Home
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Surrey, England
Posts: 5,128
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Just on the surface of it, I think the network of spare rooms is a better idea than worrying about an actual house - for one thing, so many people will be heading back to places all over the British Isles and for another the cost would be much less. Presumably the whole thing could be managed online if a good programmer was involved upfront.
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Last edited by Beedubya; Dec 22nd 2010 at 9:10 pm.
Dec 23rd 2010, 11:19 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 132
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Just on the surface of it, I think the network of spare rooms is a better idea than worrying about an actual house - for one thing, so many people will be heading back to places all over the British Isles and for another the cost would be much less. Presumably the whole thing could be managed online if a good programmer was involved upfront.
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
I also think it might be a good idea to offer people other ways of helping. For example, if I ever get back I don't know if I could offer a spare room, but I'd be very happy to be a 'buddy' - meeting up with people when they first arrive, answering questions, being a general support etc.
I'd actually really look forward to that! Of course, I have to get home first
A network of spare rooms should be fairly straightforward and a network of support buddies. Lovely of you to volunteer!!!
When are you thinking of going home, by the way? I know you did reccie recently?
Dec 23rd 2010, 11:24 pm
#8
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 132
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Yes I think I would be more likely to be a meeter and greeter rather than a "landlord" as Don so rightly says that affects all kinds of things like council tax, tenancy agreements, etc. And for myself I am just thinking of a one bedroom place at this early stage.
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Dec 25th 2010, 4:52 pm
#9
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
We're taking the opportunity to plan and save and prepare our lives as much as possible, but we won't be back in the UK for a few years.
Dec 25th 2010, 8:09 pm
#10
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Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Pirongia
Posts: 211
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Great idea. We have family and friends to help us back...they are the main reason for wanting to return home. It seems harder though to go back then to come here in the first place. Where to work is the biggest problem and selling up here. I WILL be back for next Christmas...hopefully before that.
Dec 29th 2010, 5:58 pm
#11
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Norfolk UK
Posts: 447
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Yes I think I would be more likely to be a meeter and greeter rather than a "landlord" as Don so rightly says that affects all kinds of things like council tax, tenancy agreements, etc. And for myself I am just thinking of a one bedroom place at this early stage.
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
I generally agree with all this Barb.
No one knows like those that have been there before! and so some system of support network, ex-pat to ex-pat may be useful beyond what we can all achieve via message Boards such as BE. This certainly could be done on a volunteer basis.
Maybe the 'rooming' option could be somehow a sideline to spareroom.co.uk, then the network foundation is in place and we just need re-pats to advertise rooms for expats. There is already some 'Buddy-up-Option" on the website, spareroom administrators might be interested in talking of a ex-pat option.
I think the special function 'house' would be a separate enterprise, maybe something commercial in its own right, undertaken by an individual entrepreneur.
Questions / Worries that I have (because that's the way I am)
1. How would ex-pats learn of the support volunteers
2. If putting up people in private home should they / how will they be screened as 'worthy', whatever 'worthy' is i.e, there are some people you may not want in your house.
3. How will each level of the network be funded ?
Barb, I don't expect you to have answers but I put up the open questions to promote thought from all interested parties.
Just on the off-chance I searched the term 'returning expat support' and came up with a site that seeks to fulfill the need, globally, that we are discussing, just FYI.
I was unable to paste the URL here, maybe because it is a commercial site.
Last edited by J.J; Dec 29th 2010 at 6:05 pm.
Dec 31st 2010, 2:26 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
Yes I think I would be more likely to be a meeter and greeter rather than a "landlord" as Don so rightly says that affects all kinds of things like council tax, tenancy agreements, etc. And for myself I am just thinking of a one bedroom place at this early stage.
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Maybe somebody to meet the lone traveller off the plane, help them with their bags and escort them with a friendly hand and smile onto the next leg of their journey and sit down for a cuppa and a breather at this very stressful time. If the traveller has family, friends, etc then this won't be necessary, but maybe just a local phone call away to answer questions, put them on the right track, advise as much as you are able with general living queries and to support them if they feel overwhelmed at the cultural shock and are too embarrassed to tell family, etc.
Let's face it, nobody else knows how these feelings affect like other ex-pats.
We could get together some kind of welcome pack for the lone traveller concerning benefits, housing, council tax, local phone numbers of use, anything to understand how the "system" works as it will invariably be very different to what they have been used to.
Just thinking as I type here, could all be a load of rubbish!
Jan 6th 2011, 11:50 pm
#13
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,139
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
The welcome pack is an excellent idea, Barb. Words that could be spelled out so that expats can relate to it. I comprehensive welcome pack, a network of spare rooms, a network of individuals located all over the UK and an excellent web site should make this very successful.
Jan 7th 2011, 1:43 am
#14
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Over 50's/60's arrival centre for new returnees
How about starting a Facebook site for this need? One place for everything, the information could all be stored there, easily accessible. I would be willing to get this started and/or maintained if it is thought to be a viable option. I have a network of links to all the government sites we have mentioned on BE, and I am sure everyone has some of their own that could be posted. This takes it off this site altogether, and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I would not be writing stories on it like I have on this site, so no one needs to shoot me down in flames! Or someone else can set it up and maintain it, I have no problem with that. Thoughts anyone?
Jan 7th 2011, 1:57 am
#15
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