BLOG: Empowering estranged and care experienced students to create local communities and sociable, safe spaces

All of Us is the community for estranged and care experienced students and recent graduates across the UK. United by the community flag – co-created with estranged and care experienced students – the aim is that all estranged and care experienced students feel seen, safe and supported in higher education and that it’s somewhere they belong. A sense of belonging can be something you can’t always put your finger on but you feel it, no matter how engaged – or not – you are with community activity.

For students who are keen to take an active role, Muhsina – who was a member of the student team leading community engagement – has created #AllofUsLocal. This is a guide for students, student union and council officers to create local communities and safe, sociable spaces for estranged and care experienced students to connect.

“This guide is born from a place of understanding and empathy,” Muhsina explains. “I’ve seen the unique challenges we all as estranged and care-experienced students face and the feeling of being on the outskirts of university life. #AllOfUsLocal is a way of reaching out to more students like us and saying, ‘you’re seen, and you’re not alone.’”

Feeling alone is a significant issue for almost all students, 92% according to YouGov. The research also found that 42% of students who joined a society or club as a result of feeling lonely said it was the most helpful action they took. In 2023 All of Us undertook its own research and found that 84% of care experienced and estranged students said they wanted to make friends with others from a similar background. There are clear benefits to surrounding yourself with like-minded people – and plenty of opportunity to fill existing connectivity gaps.

Muhsina advocates for creating a strong leadership team which brings people together and knows that it’s about more than filling roles. “It’s about finding people who share your vision and passion. In the guide, I discuss how this team can be a strong support network in itself, a group of friends working together towards a common goal.”

Also, remember to avoid the tendency of using jargon or overcomplicate what should be simple, inviting and accessible. “Effective communication is key. In #AllOfUsLocal, I stress the use of clear, friendly language, whether it’s on social media or in person. It’s amazing how the right words can bridge gaps and build connections.”

If Muhsina could give one line of advice for students, SU or Council Officers looking to unite estranged and care experienced students at their university it is this: “We learn, we adapt, and we grow – that’s the mantra of #AllOfUsLocal. I’ve included strategies and feedback loops in the guide because I believe the best communities are those that evolve. Just like life, right?”

You can read the guide here and remember, if you’re working on any materials speaking to estranged and care experienced students – documents, web pages, promo … –  add the flag so that at a glance the community can see this is something for them and that they are seen, safe and supported at university. You can download it here.