We understand how difficult it is to leave your family and friends and the support network they provide. Making new friends is an essential part of making a success of your migration.

If you have school age children, getting involved in school activities is a good way of starting to set up new networks. If your children are interested in sports or in the scouting movement, by encouraging them to join a local team or group and getting involved yourself, even if only as a spectator, you will soon start to meet other families.

We can help you to find your feet by introducing you to other families who have migrated and who meet up socially so you do not need to feel that you are on your own in those vital first few weeks. Simply knowing someone to whom you can chat and who has been through a similar experience can help you to come to terms with the inevitable times when you will wonder if you have done the right thing. All of us have been there!

Home2Home also arranges family barbecues and there are other regular get-togethers such as Ladies' Nights where you will meet recent and not-so-recent migrants and these occasions are a good opportunity to exchange phone numbers and email addresses.

We know you can't replace those family and friends who are back in the UK, but we can get you on course to making new friendships among people who understand what you are going through.

Gradually, as you begin to find your way around and become more confident, you will find yourselves being invited to neighbours' and colleagues' homes and will soon have your own network. We know of one client who says she made it a rule in the first few weeks never to refuse an invitation and that she recommends this strategy to everyone newly arrived.

Of course you can always sign up to the forum site www.pomsinadelaide.com before you move out. You will find a warm welcome and offers of help and support there from people who have all been through the same experiences.