A LITTLE conversation can go a long way, especially for someone struggling to learn English.

The Southern Downs Refugee and Migrant Network will be hosting a spring friendship picnic, and encourage all with a willingness to make some new mates to pop along.

The picnic's organiser Sue Hamlet said the picnic was about having light-hearted conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

"This is our first one,” she said. "It's everyone's chance to meet, greet and mingle at a very relaxed multicultural event.

"People are welcome to stand up and have a dance and sing.

"Bring along an instrument if you want.”

Mrs Hamlet said the objective of the picnic is to help those with limited English strengthen their language.

"These types of events are critical for people learning English,” Mrs Hamlet said.

"When people are learning another language sometimes they're in situations where they don't want to speak it or expose it.

"It's like they don't want to waste people's time.

"But at this picnic we are so happy to listen to everyone and we want to take the time to help them improve.”

The Southern Downs Refugee and Migrant Network also launched their first Coffee, Tea and Conversation meet up on Tuesday.

All were invited to practice their English, again through simple conversation, at Warwick Anglican Church.

"We had about half a dozen turn up to each session, and it was really wonderful,” Mrs Hamlet said.

"And the mayor turned up to just say hello.

"These types of events are about being welcoming in our community, and encouraging each other's diversity.

"It's the simple task of making friends with a neighbour, and we hope the picnic does that.”

All are invited to the The Southern Downs Refugee and Migrant Network spring friendship picnic on Sunday from 11am.

The picnic will take place at Leslie Park, so pack a basket and head along for a lovely day of conversation in the sun.