Want to help

This a very unusual circumstance but I will try to keep it short. My neighbour is in his 60's he is in a wheelchair and has no real use of his hands either, can't drive and is pretty much stuck at home, early this year (approx 8 months ago) a friend he met over the net came here from overseas, she does not speak much english and has no family here. They got married and she is now living here permanently. They seem to really like each other and whenever I see them (2 - 3 times a week) she seems happy and goes to english school 3 days a week and also goes on big walks, there are lots of bush walks etc. around here. She does not drive.

Anyway today I was driving down the road and saw her walking (she walks to the train to go to english school) I pulled over to see if she wanted a lift and she was crying she gave me the thumbs up and said no to the lift I said are you okay? and she gave me the thumbs up again. I feel so sad for her, I think she is probably home sick and probably bored too. I don't know what to do, its so hard as her english is minimal.

Does anyone have any ideas of things I could do to help her? I actually feel bad for her that I saw her crying as she may feel embarrassed about it.

I second that, maybe just take some time out to hang out with her, and she can practice her english, and you can share a cuppa or something. She is probably really lonely if she hasn't got family or anything here.

I think it's really nice that you care enough to want to do something

Is there a community group in your area with other people who speak her native language? Maybe you could find out the details if they have a meeting or someone who could come out and meet with her?

Company sounds good   Oh and also, my grandma used to be part of a group called "coffee and conversations" or something like that, run through her church.  They'd meet each week with new immigrants and help them with their English.  There might be something like that out your way?  (as well as your friendship, might be something else to help her).

MamaPickle wrote: You're a sweetheart Where is she from? Perhaps find out a little bit about her culture and maybe break the ice that way?

I agree - you are a sweetheart!

If you knew where she was from - you could maybe get someone to write a little note for her - in her native language saying something nice to cheer her up.

DHs grandmother lives in a small rural town and works with new immigrants down there - she is in her 80s and she takes them to town and into the local supermarket to help them with shopping, and to the post office and places like that. Maybe you could do something really simple like offer to take her food shopping with you - its a small thing, but a great way for her to practice english.