Introducing the Care Experienced & Estranged Students Peer Support Group (CEES)

November is a significant time for our community: it’s both Care Leaver Month and Family Estrangement Awareness Month.

These periods are crucial for raising visibility, but more importantly, for fostering connections. For Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES) at UEA—those navigating university without a typical family support network—this time reinforces our central message: you are not alone.

The UEA Care Experienced & Estranged Students Peer Support Group is here to ensure that no student in the CEES community has to face university life on their own.

Our Aims: Community, Connection, and Care
We are a supportive, student-led society dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space on campus. Our core aims are to:

• Help us connect and support each other in a safe space
• Support and signpost to charities and services
• Contribute to memorable and impactful gatherings
• Share experiences in order to help each other

We are run by CEES students for CEES students, making our support deeply personal and relevant. Whether you need a friendly face, a quiet place to study, or simply a chance to relax and have fun, we are your community.

What’s On This Month: Significant Upcoming Events!
To mark the importance of this month, we have a packed schedule of fun, low-pressure events designed to help you de-stress and connect as the term progresses.

• Diamond Art Craft Session (Tuesday, 5th November, 1 PM – 4 PM, Congregation Hall 01.10): Step into a calming world of colour and sparkle. This is a perfect, mindful session to de-stress, focus your mind, and chat informally with peers. No art skills are needed—just bring yourself!
• Children in Need Fundraising Collaboration: This month, we are partnering with the Disabled Students Community to host several events for the vital charity, Children in Need. Look out for our joint Bake Sale, a fun Quiz Night later in the month, and join our 25-Mile Walking Challenge throughout November to track your miles and raise funds! Keep an eye on our social media for exact dates and times.

These gatherings are always free, relaxed, and exclusively for our CEES members. They are a great way to try us out and find your community on campus.

Find Your Home
Ready to find your support network at UEA?

How to Join: Find us on the UEA SU Societies webpage by searching for “Care Experienced & Estranged Students Peer Support Group.”

Follow our Instagram @ceesuea for the latest updates, event reminders, and a snapshot of what we get up to!

We look forward to welcoming you!

Image Credit: Pia Subong