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We work hard to maintain lots of areas of interest that you can reach out to and join so please get in touch and express interest if any of the below appeal as they are wonderful ways to meet fabulous people, do some fun stuff and generally make your lives a little easier whilst out here!
Recently we streamlined the process for how to access the different interest groups with the introduction of the BESA WhatsApp Community.
When you apply to become a member of BESA you will be given a link from the membership rep to join the community and then once you are in you will be able to see a list of all the different groups that we have running. If you wish to join a group, by selecting 'join group' or 'request to join' you'll either be added to the group straight away or when your request is approved depending on the permission to access settings for the group.
If you are not a member of the WhatsApp Community but would like to be you can email [email protected] to gain access to the link.
Area Groups - We have groups that cover Mclean, Falls Church and Vienna, Alexandria, Bethesda and DC, Pax River, Columbia and Annapolis. These groups offer a wealth of conversation and advice from a group of people living locally to you so any questions you may have or hints and tips that you are seeking, your area group can become a lifeline! Each area group offers various social events such as monthly coffee mornings, book clubs, line dancing, theatre trips and other evenings out. Of course, there is always scope for you to put your stamp on the group and set an event or social outing up so please get involved as little or as much as you want to.
Service Groups - We have section representatives for the army, maritime, RAF, civil service and FCDO. Section representatives raise issues of interest to their section within BESA, welcome new arrivals, help with settling in, and ensure that the new arrival is contacted by their Area Rep. They may also provide an ongoing point of contact in case of any challenges faced in an overseas posting. If you wish to get in touch with your service rep you will find email addresses for your specific section on the following page https://www.besausa.com/contact-us.html.
BESA Solos Group - Are you out here unaccompanied? A WhatsApp community group (separate to the BESA WhatsApp community) has been created to increase access to individuals who perhaps are working during the day and find it hard to attend some of the more traditional BESA events. The group includes several different groups that you can link in with depending on your current interests. Groups include 'Hit the Slopes', 'Travel and Tips', 'Good to Know', 'BESA Official Events', 'DMV Days Out', 'DMV Restaurants/Bars', 'DMV Live Sport Events' and 'Bookworms.' If you are interested in being added to this WhatsApp community, please email [email protected].
BESA Tots Group - If you have youngsters in tow then this group is here to support you. They have a WhatsApp group where members can ask questions, share information about family life in the UK and organise meet ups and play dates. The tots group primarily focuses on the preschool aged children 0-5 but can also include anyone with older children looking for advice too. If you would like to join this group you will find it listed within the BESA WhatsApp community.
Walking group - This group meets roughly 1-2 times a month with a pre-planned walk to join. Previous walks have included Accotink Lake, Hains Point Loop Trail, Burke Lake and Rock Creek Park. Attend as many or as little as you like as they vary in location, distance and day of the week. If you wish to join you will find this group listed within the BESA WhatsApp community.
Stitches - This group is about friendship, support and companionship with a shared interest in crafting, from needlework, knitting or crochet or whatever your latest project might be. It runs every Monday morning from 10am-noon except Federal/school holidays. No previous experience is required as there is a wealth of experience within the group for you to tap into so this may be your opportunity to learn a new skill! If you are interested in joining you can contact Jan Farnsworth at [email protected] for more information or request to join the BESA Stitches group within the WhatsApp BESA community.
3Cs - The 3Cs group (Culture, Coffee and Conversation) arrange monthly visits to cultural destinations such as museums, galleries and gardens. Recent trips to have taken place have been to the Ford's Theatre, Daughters of the American Revolution Museum and Folger Shakespeare Library. You can find more details on the BESA Facebook page or by joining this group within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Healthcare Study and Reflection Group - This group is made up of healthcare professionals that come together once a month to engage in CPD (continuing professional development) to enable individuals to practice safely, effectively and maintain up to date skills combined with knowledge which will support the transition back to employment on return to the UK. Each month a different topic is selected to loosely talk about and typically journal articles or other literature will be sourced to support the discussion. Taken in turns to host around attendee homes it is a very relaxed setting in which coffee is always served and little ones are welcome. If you are a healthcare professional working or not working whilst out in the US but would like to engage in CPD, you are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] as you will be warmly welcomed.
Pet Sitting Group - This group is for any BESA member who has a pet that they may need some help with and/or anyone who is willing to help with pet sitting. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Babysitting Group - There is a Facebook group for members of BESA called D.C Brits Babysitting Group which helps you to create a network of affordable and trusted babysitters. Often it is a case of stepping in to help someone and then assuming the favour will be returned at some point in the future when required. If you are interested in joining this group you can either be added via a friend who is already in the group or send a request to Elaine Batt who is admin for the babysitting circle and then will proceed to link you up with the group. Since the Facebook group was established, this group has also been listed within the WhatsApp BESA community that you are able to join directly.
Snow Sports Group - This is a group for members of BESA to share their Snow sport tips and tricks for North America. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
BESA Foodies - A place to share recipes you love and restaurant recommendations. Anything food related welcome. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Professionals Networking Group - A group set up to be a support for all those looking for work or grappling with career curveballs or pursuing new dreams. It offers help for practical things (like tax!) and friendship, fun and inspiration. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
BESA Kids Abroad - This group is a support network for families with children travelling to and from education abroad. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Recently we streamlined the process for how to access the different interest groups with the introduction of the BESA WhatsApp Community.
When you apply to become a member of BESA you will be given a link from the membership rep to join the community and then once you are in you will be able to see a list of all the different groups that we have running. If you wish to join a group, by selecting 'join group' or 'request to join' you'll either be added to the group straight away or when your request is approved depending on the permission to access settings for the group.
If you are not a member of the WhatsApp Community but would like to be you can email [email protected] to gain access to the link.
Area Groups - We have groups that cover Mclean, Falls Church and Vienna, Alexandria, Bethesda and DC, Pax River, Columbia and Annapolis. These groups offer a wealth of conversation and advice from a group of people living locally to you so any questions you may have or hints and tips that you are seeking, your area group can become a lifeline! Each area group offers various social events such as monthly coffee mornings, book clubs, line dancing, theatre trips and other evenings out. Of course, there is always scope for you to put your stamp on the group and set an event or social outing up so please get involved as little or as much as you want to.
Service Groups - We have section representatives for the army, maritime, RAF, civil service and FCDO. Section representatives raise issues of interest to their section within BESA, welcome new arrivals, help with settling in, and ensure that the new arrival is contacted by their Area Rep. They may also provide an ongoing point of contact in case of any challenges faced in an overseas posting. If you wish to get in touch with your service rep you will find email addresses for your specific section on the following page https://www.besausa.com/contact-us.html.
BESA Solos Group - Are you out here unaccompanied? A WhatsApp community group (separate to the BESA WhatsApp community) has been created to increase access to individuals who perhaps are working during the day and find it hard to attend some of the more traditional BESA events. The group includes several different groups that you can link in with depending on your current interests. Groups include 'Hit the Slopes', 'Travel and Tips', 'Good to Know', 'BESA Official Events', 'DMV Days Out', 'DMV Restaurants/Bars', 'DMV Live Sport Events' and 'Bookworms.' If you are interested in being added to this WhatsApp community, please email [email protected].
BESA Tots Group - If you have youngsters in tow then this group is here to support you. They have a WhatsApp group where members can ask questions, share information about family life in the UK and organise meet ups and play dates. The tots group primarily focuses on the preschool aged children 0-5 but can also include anyone with older children looking for advice too. If you would like to join this group you will find it listed within the BESA WhatsApp community.
Walking group - This group meets roughly 1-2 times a month with a pre-planned walk to join. Previous walks have included Accotink Lake, Hains Point Loop Trail, Burke Lake and Rock Creek Park. Attend as many or as little as you like as they vary in location, distance and day of the week. If you wish to join you will find this group listed within the BESA WhatsApp community.
Stitches - This group is about friendship, support and companionship with a shared interest in crafting, from needlework, knitting or crochet or whatever your latest project might be. It runs every Monday morning from 10am-noon except Federal/school holidays. No previous experience is required as there is a wealth of experience within the group for you to tap into so this may be your opportunity to learn a new skill! If you are interested in joining you can contact Jan Farnsworth at [email protected] for more information or request to join the BESA Stitches group within the WhatsApp BESA community.
3Cs - The 3Cs group (Culture, Coffee and Conversation) arrange monthly visits to cultural destinations such as museums, galleries and gardens. Recent trips to have taken place have been to the Ford's Theatre, Daughters of the American Revolution Museum and Folger Shakespeare Library. You can find more details on the BESA Facebook page or by joining this group within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Healthcare Study and Reflection Group - This group is made up of healthcare professionals that come together once a month to engage in CPD (continuing professional development) to enable individuals to practice safely, effectively and maintain up to date skills combined with knowledge which will support the transition back to employment on return to the UK. Each month a different topic is selected to loosely talk about and typically journal articles or other literature will be sourced to support the discussion. Taken in turns to host around attendee homes it is a very relaxed setting in which coffee is always served and little ones are welcome. If you are a healthcare professional working or not working whilst out in the US but would like to engage in CPD, you are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] as you will be warmly welcomed.
Pet Sitting Group - This group is for any BESA member who has a pet that they may need some help with and/or anyone who is willing to help with pet sitting. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Babysitting Group - There is a Facebook group for members of BESA called D.C Brits Babysitting Group which helps you to create a network of affordable and trusted babysitters. Often it is a case of stepping in to help someone and then assuming the favour will be returned at some point in the future when required. If you are interested in joining this group you can either be added via a friend who is already in the group or send a request to Elaine Batt who is admin for the babysitting circle and then will proceed to link you up with the group. Since the Facebook group was established, this group has also been listed within the WhatsApp BESA community that you are able to join directly.
Snow Sports Group - This is a group for members of BESA to share their Snow sport tips and tricks for North America. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
BESA Foodies - A place to share recipes you love and restaurant recommendations. Anything food related welcome. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
Professionals Networking Group - A group set up to be a support for all those looking for work or grappling with career curveballs or pursuing new dreams. It offers help for practical things (like tax!) and friendship, fun and inspiration. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
BESA Kids Abroad - This group is a support network for families with children travelling to and from education abroad. If you are interested in joining this group you can request to join within the WhatsApp BESA community.
