How I can feel part of my new community?

If you are new to an area you may find it's not as easy to make friends without the things that made introductions easier in early life. There are new strategies you can adopt. It's all about making your new introductions as natural as possible and it often means going to the 'right' places.

We call the places where people can meet up easily and naturally, 'bumping places'. Examples of bumping spaces include cafes, clustered outdoor seating areas, free community events, museum, and art gallery areas, etc.  The trick is knowing where to find them as every community is different. Start at your local libraries, cafes, and organisations such as Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureaux or Council. They often have information about all sorts of things that might interest you too.  

One of the best places we’ve come across to find out about what’s going on in your community or to introduce yourself is the local library. In the past they were more like big bookshops. Not anymore, they’ve kept pace with modern society so that now all sorts of other things happen there, from talks on topics of interest, to book readings, computer hubs (you can ask for assistance if needed), historical displays, brochures on all sorts of local events etc., and in some libraries, even cafes.

Another place to keep an eye out for are café’s that serve your favourite coffee and look like they’re attended by your sort of person.  You might have to visit a few to find one that suits you. Great café staff will always make you feel welcome.

Volunteering, whether in a formal or informal capacity also brings you into contact with others. Contact Volunteering New Zealand or a local organisation you might be interested in joining.