Back in London after being abroad, lonely and isolated - help!

[dorisbonkers]

Hi, I've posted this in the local mumsnet section but also wanted some broader advice on how to go about finding friends and joining baby groups.

I've moved back to SE London after working in Singapore for a couple of years. I have an 8-month old daughter. Having been away I have few friends here (my best friends also live abroad) and am feeling increasingly isolated, down in the mouth and just plain lonely. I've never been much of an enthusiastic joiner (I joined a baby massage class in Singapore but it was awful, no sisterhood feelings there) but I really think I am cutting my nose off to spite my face and need to get involved in some local baby things. More to the point, my 8 month old is pining for company.

I'm not post-natally depressed, but DO feel depressed and down by the sudden wrench from living abroad and that I'm back -- not as myself previously, but now as a mum and that my world has shrunk.

I am trying out some local things. This morning I plan to go to the library for nursery rhymes and I might try a slingmeet (I wear her in a wrap but I'm not especially lentil weavy, are slingmeets like that?)

I used to be a journalist - I'm feeling pressure from work colleagues and my husband to go back part time when she's a year old, but in my heart I want to stay off work until she's older. I can only do this if I have some support network or else I will go mad.

Are there any other organisations who arrange mother and baby groups that I could try?

Thanks. Feeling teary and upset about this.

oops, just 'a bit'

LOL LoveAndSqualor... My location will give it away even more... I work in White City, it would be a complete wasteland (no offence to anyone who lives there!) if not for my company. I don't work as a journalist there though my work is editorial in nature, if that makes sense!

LoveAndSqualor - DH just told me where you work! He works in IT and has a client based in that area...

angel, i think you work where mr bonkers works.

My large financial/news media org is in canary wharf.

Hi DB, I hope things are looking up. Try this forum, it might have some interesting stuff for you East Dulwich community forum

dorisbonkers - What a coincidence! I know where you work too then. LOL! We should set up our own 'newsgroup'. Seriously though, I hope things look up for you soon. I do think that first year of a baby's life is really hard on the parents! Don't forget to get in touch if you are desperate for someone to chat to.

Thanks Angel, I went to a 1 o'clock club in Telegraph Hill which was relaxed - less of a mother baby group and more of a parents having tea while kids played. Bumped into a friend from university I hadn't seen in about 14 years (showing my age there). Lifted my spirits.

Thanks Monty, I'll try that. Cheers everyone.