Interview by Sarah Hashmi
For many students at the University of Cambridge, the city itself is merely a beautiful backdrop to their university bubble - an enclave of bops, butteries, and blues that feels an entire world away from the city of Cambridge itself. But what options are there for those who wish to burst that bubble, and ground themselves in the reality of the city? One key opportunity comes in the form of Cambridge Student Community Action. I had the privilege of interviewing its Recruitment Officer at the time, Anoushka Kale, to discuss the ways students can get involved and give back to Cambridge.
Cambridge is the most unequal city in the United Kingdom, according to research by the Centre for Cities think-thank. The top 6% of earners take home 19% of the city's income, whilst the bottom 20% of the population account for a mere 2% of income. These inequalities in Cambridge extend beyond present material circumstances, and impede the future prospects of its younger residents, given that Cambridge is one of the areas with the lowest social mobility in the country. Whilst this social inequality is nothing new (in fact, research conducted by the University of Cambridge suggests we can see social inequality on the bones of skeletons from medieval Cambridge), it has been particularly exacerbated following the pandemic. Although there are city-wide campaigns to rectify this inequality, there is a continued need for community action to aid this endeavour. Consequently, the city is filled with newly established and recently revived student societies across the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, which organise volunteering opportunities. These societies organise volunteering opportunities across a range of areas, including the environment, homelessness, food waste, and animal rescue. Among there is Cambridge Student Community Action, a student-led society founded in 1972, with the aim of helping disadvantaged members of the Cambridge community.
Although CSCA has supported generations of those part of the Cambridge community, the society remains relatively unknown to many students at both universities. CSCA offers more than 70 volunteering opportunities, catering to the varied interests of students in Cambridge. Most of these are projects run by independent external organisations, such as the Cambridge Deaf Association or Cambs Youth Panel, for whom CSCA recruits student volunteers as an intermediary. In this way, CSCA ensures that each student is matched with projects that best fit their interests. CSCA also directly organises 10 internal projects. One central project is Taskforce, providing one-to-one support to disadvantaged adults. Students can play a variety of roles here, depending on the client's needs. Some clients, such as those suffering from restricted mobility, may require certain household tasks to be completed, such as weeding gardens, collecting groceries, or general household upkeep. Others, such as the elderly, may prefer someone to talk to and spend time with, to counter elderly loneliness. The client and their needs are ultimately at the centre of the project.
The most popular program run by CSCA is the Big Sibs programme. Mindful of the wide range of factors that can make children and young people vulnerable, for example bereavement or social exclusion, Anoushka details how students are paired with 'Little Sibs' from the Cambridge community. Exactly what this role involves is highly dependent on the client, with some children preferring someone to play games and complete activities with them, whilst others want someone to talk to. Ultimately, the goal is "to just be there for them" and support the child in the most appropriate way for them. Through the regular expected time commitment of an hour a week, students build a strong personal relationship with their 'Little Sibs'. Anoushka herself participated in the Big Sibs programme last year, and describes her own experience volunteering as "one of the most amazing things I've done." She described the depth of the relationship she developed with her Little Sib, stating she "got to really know this child, spend some time with them, support them emotionally", and highlights the emotional fulfillment both she and her Little Sib gained from this. Not only do students gain new experiences and connections, but the impact of these projects can be far reaching into the Cambridge community. Many families maintain relationships with CSCA over many years, interacting with a variety of projects and events. Anoushka mentions how she personally knows families who have engaged with CSCA over many years, interacting with a variety of projects and events. Anoushka mentions how she personally knows families who have engaged with CSCA, including having had Big Sibs, and how even years later, the clients feel they made a massive positive difference to their lives. Similarly, she notes how her Little Sib's family really remember the value of their interactions with CSCA.
"Whilst our time in Cambridge may be limited, the opportunities to put Cambridge in context and step into the heart of the community are endless."
Perhaps the most important thing to note is that students are not limited by the variety of programmes CSCA offer, and truly have flexibility in contributing to the Cambridge community in a way they feel meaningful. As well as the extensive range of projects run and supported by the society, Anoushka tells me if students desire to set up their own initiatives, CSCA could facilitate this through offering their support. For example, in recent times students set up a Sandwiches for the Homeless programme at Sidney Sussex College through this process. Whilst this particular programme is no longer running, Anoushka is keen to encourage other colleges to get involved too. CSCA also allow for flexibility in how often students can volunteer. Although certain programmes, such as Big Sibs, come with an expected time commitment of an hour a week, other programmes have more flexibility. If, for example, a student's client lives a bit further away, or if they can't make it a certain week, CSCA can accommodate that. For students unable to commit regularly, CSCA offers opportunities to engage in one-off events. The Christmas and Summer parties are great examples. Advertised on an annual bulletin, the Summer Party in particular is regarded by many as the highlight of both volunteer and clients' years, a crucial site for the community to get together and enjoy soft drinks, snacks, and entertainment for the children. So, how exactly can students sign up to be a part of CSCA? "Email us!". By contacting the society at mail@cambridgesea.org.uk, students can access the full range of programmes and begin the onboarding process. After a brief meeting with members of the CSCA Team, students can complete the necessary training for safeguarding purposes, which is run regularly throughout term. If, for whatever reason, none of the planned sessions fit your schedule, other arrangements can be made to enable your training. The process is simple, flexible and fast-paced, allowing students to begin as soon as possible, and with minimal disruption. Of course, student charity work will not go all the way towards remedying major inequalities. Nonetheless, as Anoushka and I part ways, it seems clear to me that through CSCA, students can leave a small mark on the city that lasts generations. Even the smallest actions knit us into the community fabric, and affect the lives of those around us for years to come.
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