Newcomers to the community are learning English and making connections through the art of conversation.

Regional Connections started a Conversation Groups program a few years ago, encouraging new families in the area to get together with other local families to learn English.

Lynette Froese, an Integration worker with Regional Connections, explains the program runs every week in July at the Morden Park.

"Today, I think we probably have four to five different countries represented in the group, and most of these are women that have arrived very recently, like within the last three to six months," Froese notes.

She explains most people arrive with a fair grasp of English, able to start off with basic conversations.

The program is an open group which allows for both local people and the new families to connect and join. "Whether you've lived here a long and want to meet some new friends or if you've just recently moved here and want to practice and meet some friends as well, please come."