Switchboard

In our final episode of Season 6, we reflected on the last year and our hopes for the roadmap. We were grateful to have Alex, a member of the Switchboard Team, share an honest account of her recent experiences, which presented their own challenges independent of the impact of Covid-19. We hope this highlights that the past year has been difficult for all but non-Covid struggles are still equally present.  Eliza offered her own view on a perfectionism pandemic, highlighting how social isolation exacerbates our desperation to meet self-set-standards. She hopes this encourages students to connect with one another to remind us that the kindest we show to others should be shown to ourselves. Looking forward, Amber shared her apprehension for the 'roadmap' out of lockdown. She highlighted that the end of lockdown brings its own uncertainty: we need to appreciate that the end of the pandemic will present its own challenges. Finally, we spoke with Rebekah King, the writer of 'In A Cave, A Voice', the winner of the Pembroke Players Script Writing Competition. Not only did we hear about what promises to be an exciting, experimental play but we heard a charming mix of adaptation during the present and optimism for the lessons Covid might have taught theatre. Our music this week from New Music Cambridge is the demo 'Archangel' from Eliza Pepper.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Inspired by our own quarter-life-crises, we searched out current Cambridge post-graduates. We wanted to ask them what they were doing when they were our age and how they chose their post-graduate studies. This episode has lots of helpful advice on how to think about post-graduate education from funding to life plans. Thanks to Ellie Bladon, Grayson Pallen and Charlotte Husnjak. Our music for this episode is a wonderful choral piece from Lucy Walker. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

This week's episode celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month!  We chatted to Cam FM Queer Hour, a student talk-show covering topics across all corners of the LGBT+ community. They've produced episodes on lesbian motherhood in the 70s, the Lavender Scare and the Canadian fruit machine this month! We chatted with Elliot, Medwards Trans and Non-binary Officer, about his experiences.  Last but certainly not least, we were treated to a drag brunch by the cast of Just About Coping. You've got 24 hours to grab your tickets to their virtual drag show on the 27th of February. It promises to be a grand finale to LGBTQ+ History Month! Our music for this episode is Aidan Tulloch's Milk and Orange Juice from his album Somewhere Without Lights. Click here for some more resources on LGBTQ+ history and the celebration of this month. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Love in lockdown  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

We must confess.. we've spent far too long scrolling through Facebook. But is this really such a waste of time? In this week's episode, Amber and Eliza explore the goods and ills of Cambridge confession pages and consider how their role has changed during Covid-19.  We chatted with the anonymous admins of Kindbridge, Worldbridge and ADCbridge (who were kept so through some hilarious voice modulation). We also heard some favourite Camfess-es and George Garrity's observation of these pages, based off of his Varsity article. Next week, we're looking for love. So if you want to share your love (or lack there of) for the people, culture and place that is Cambridge send it in on Anchor FM or our Facebook! Our music this week is Soul Boat by 2 Non Men, brought to you by New Music Cambridge.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Here with a *fresh* new episode, Amber and Eliza take us back to March 2020 when Y13s across the country had their A Level exams cancelled by lockdown. Current offer holders might be able to empathise and older years will certainly be curious. We heard a range of experiences from current Cambridge freshers of what it was like to start uni with Covid restrictions in place. Overall, we were surprised to hear that the freshers had such a positive experience. It all came down to their mindset. They found creative ways to adapt (through creative online formats such as the Cambridge Freshers Instagram Page) and ways to accept a new reality (household bonding and the rule of 6). So, regardless of what year you're in, its certainly worth hearing the Fresher's wisdom.  Thanks to Thalia, Ella, Ellenoor, Kate, Elliot, Ollie and Avesta. To round up this week's show is 'Marxist Tendencies' by Running Standards. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In response to Episode 10 of series 4 ‘Creativity in Crisis’, Eliza and Amber examine whether the arts scene during lockdown is quite so bleak. They chat with theatre veterans Jonathan Powell and Jasper Cresdee Hyde about the ADC Online Season. Considering another prominent feature of the Cambridge art scene, Amber chatted with Johnny Cresswell, the editor of The Mays. This established literature and arts anthology has had to adapt and will be entirely virtual in 2021. Moving away from how the established arts scene has adapted, Eliza consulted Hannah Collins and Claire Lee Shenfield of Cambridge Creatives. This visual arts group emerged during the Spring 2020 lockdown but have persisted and adapted to the varying lockdowns since. Their conversation included reflections on the importance of artistic collaboration despite social distancing and the creation of content specifically for online formats. Finally, we heard from Alex Hadyn-Williams of Cambridge Arts. This is a brand-new Facebook group that attempts to bring all students and societies into one place. It makes pitching projects, finding collaborators and hosting events so much easier and will be fundamental to the arts scene for our upcoming online term. Many of these conversations included a frustration that Freshers have been excluded from the Cambridge Arts Scene due to its virtual nature. We hope that the information in today’s broadcast gives you an entire of where to look for more information or ways you can get involved. Next week we’re going to be focusing entirely on Freshers. We want to understand your experience in Michaelmas and your hopes for Lent. Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook or even leave us a voice message on Anchor FM! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

As we enter the first week of a remote Lent term, Switchboard is helping you stay tuned to the needs of your mind and body during lockdown! This episode, Amber and Eliza are speaking to Kit Treadwell (representing Student Minds) and Lucy Patchett (one of Varsity’s sports editors) about the importance of feeling physically and mentally fit during this time! Then we’ll hear from two of Cambridge’s best organisations, RAG and Pink Week to discuss how their plans for the term will help you connect with our Cambridge community and every part of yourself even at a distance. With music from Colonel Spanky's Love Ensemble and Judah Daniels  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Amber and Eliza chat to V-C Toope on everything from Safety Net provision to the new Foundation Year to hear how Cambridge is preparing for another online term. The brilliant music for this episode was generously provided by Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble and a new track from Katrina Rose brought to you by the Cam FM show New Music Cambridge. Unlike your Pret Subscription, we don't expire after a month so tune in again next Friday! Oh and we'd love to hear you on our Facebook, Instagram or by email on switchboard@varsity.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Happy New Year to all and welcome to the podcast version of the Cambridge Pret Queue! A new (albeit virtual) term means a new season of Switchboard with a brand new team, here to introduce themselves and share their first episode. Amber and Eliza (this term’s hosts) open by discussing Michaelmas in all its odd glory, speaking to students from Medwards and Homerton about their rather different experiences regarding college communication and welfare throughout the term. Then, we heard an official statement from Rent Strike Cambridge and a participant’s perspective on the next few months and what they mean for strikers, giving information and advice to anyone seeking it! Discovering what’s been and what’s ahead, this episode is packed with personal insights and useful tips from Cambridge students, tune in to find out more!  The brilliant music for this episode was generously provided by Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble and a new track from Matt Haygarth brought to you by the Cam FM show New Music Cambridge. Unlike your Pret Subscription, we don't expire after a month so tune in again next Friday! Oh and we'd love to hear you on our Facebook, Instagram or by email on switchboard@varsity.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

For Switchboard’s final episode of the season, hosts Isabel and Maddy explore the impact the coronavirus crisis has had on creative endeavours, asking those involved in Cambridge’s creative scene what it was like working in the arts during such challenging times. The hosts begin by speaking to Alex Haydn-Williams and Cate Horne from BAIT, a termly Cambridge art and culture zine. They explain the origins of the magazine and how the pandemic has impacted their work. (1:21). Next, Fred Duffen and Yvette Murphy from Selwyn College choir tell the hosts about how the choir continued during lockdown 1.0 and 2.0, outlining the safety measures that have been adopted and highlighting the increased engagement that their choral evensong services have had online. (10:35). The hosts turn to discuss innovative ideas that came about during lockdown in an effort to spread positivity. They speak to Tom McGachie, creator of Cambrovision - an online competition where students from Cambridge and beyond could vote for their favourite Eurovision entry. He outlines how this competition worked and the incredible response from students and university staff. (17:50). Continuing the discussion on the importance of music during a crisis, Maddy and Isabel speak to Amber De Ruyt, the creator and co-producer of ‘Ordinary Days’. This musical had its scheduled performances cut short due to the announcement of the second lockdown in November. Amber explains how the production operated under social distancing guidelines and the astonishing morale of the theatre community during this uncertain time. (22.50). Next, we check back in with Alex Haydn-Williams from BAIT about the pressures to be creative during unprecedented moments like the pandemic. He explains that while it was difficult to be productive over the first lockdown, having a small creative task, something he hopes BAIT provides for people, can be a useful form of escapism. (32:18). Finally, Prerona Prasad, curator of the Heong Gallery at Downing College, speaks to the hosts about how lockdown, and subsequently moving the galleries online, has redirected focus onto previously neglected areas, such as accessibility. She highlights the value of art in giving direction and purpose during such challenging times and emphasises her hope that when galleries are able to reopen again, they establish access as a key commitment and principle. (35:10). From all of the Switchboard season two team, we would like to thank you for joining us this term and wish you all a Happy Holiday! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Nine months after the investigation into the mishandling of sexual assault complaints by senior members of college staff at Trinity Hall was published, the hosts ask, has anything changed? (0:38). Switchboard talks to an anonymous student from Homerton college about the recent allegations of mishandled sexual misconduct and disciplinary complaints. (1:10). Journalists Ella Hill and Chris Cook from the media company Tortoise, who originally broke the story of Trinity Hall’s sexual assault allegations mishandling, discuss how they came to cover the story, and Cambridge’s inadequacy of dealing with complaints compared to other universities. (9:05). The hosts talk to Marina McCready and Antonia Harrison, the founders of the Cambridge Loud and Clear society, about what their society is doing to create a zero-tolerance policy against sexual misconduct in the university, and why college culture has led to mishandling of claims. (14:22). Student university counsellor Freddie Poser talks to Switchboard about his manifesto, which pushes for a centralized sexual harassment reporting procedure, why he believes it’s necessary, and the obstacles in the way of such change. (21:40). Finally, the hosts talk to Chris Down, investigator at Office of Student Content, Complaints and Appeals about the procedure of dealing with reports of sexual misconduct, and how the Coronavirus pandemic is preventing students coming forward. (31:31). Switchboard is Varsity’s flagship podcast. Episodes are released every Friday on all major podcasting apps via Anchor. Transcripts of all episodes are available via links on the respective podcast article, found at http://www.varsity.co.uk/. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In the wake of Cambridge University’s commitment to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2030 and the announcement earlier this week that Trinity Hall will divest from direct investments in fossil fuels within the next six months, Switchboard speaks to campaigners to investigate how they achieved this goal, and to outline the next steps. To start off the episode, we hear from Evan Wroe, a representative of the Cambridge Zero Carbon Society. He explains the aims of the society, as well as breaking down some of their demands and methods in the fight for divestment. (1:18). Next, Jesus College Green Officer and representative for Jesus College climate justice campaign, Zak Coleman, talks to the hosts about the college specific campaign. Zak speaks about the campaign’s methods, and the need for Jesus College to commit to full divestment. (4:47). Discussing the 2030 target, an anonymous spokesperson from Extinction Rebellion (XR) expresses their disappointment towards the University, arguing that full divestment needs to come sooner. They also consider the actions of XR youth in Cambridge, such as digging up Trinity College lawn, and the impacts that direct action has on the public perception of XR. (11:44). Continuing the conversation around XR, Evan Wroe speaks on the relationship between XR and Zero Carbon Society and shares his opinion of their action in Cambridge, as well as the general exclusivity of climate movement and the lack of commitment to anti-racism. (21:58). Zak Coleman shares his thoughts on the commonality of direct action in climate protests, specifically referencing the protest that members of Jesus College conducted on their Old Court. (23:54). Talk turns to strike action as hosts speak to Junayd and Luana who are members of Cambridge Youth Strike for Climate. They discuss their involvement in activism directed towards the Council, detailing its response and the ways in which the movement has adapted to limitations caused by the Covid pandemic. (27:04). Finally, the hosts ask some of the guests about their hopes for the future, and how more people can get involved in demanding action on the climate crisis. (33:05). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

This week, hosts Issy Roberts and Maddy Fisher tackle student mental health at Cambridge, in a term where the start of the notoriously difficult week five coincides with the start of a month-long national lockdown. Switchboard talks to the BME campaign’s mental health and disabilities officer Elia Chitwa about their experiences of poor mental health at Cambridge, and how BME students are disproportionately impacted by mental health issues at Cambridge. (01:10). Former Pembroke student Luke Naylor-Perrott tells Varsity about the documentary he directed, Feeling Blue, which tackles the mental health crisis at Cambridge, and how he thinks the university can improve its provisions. (02:51). Maddy talks to natural sciences student Karris McGonigle about her petition to introduce a reading week to counter ‘Week Five Blues’, and if she thinks the discourse around week five creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. (15:36). Disability Resource Centre mentor, Julie Bailey, tells Switchboard why she thinks mentors should be available to all students, regardless of disability. (21:42). Finally, Switchboard talks to an anonymous Camfess admin about how the nature of submissions have changed since the beginning of the pandemic, with there being a significant increase in the number of posts by students struggling with loneliness, anxiety and isolation. (27:44). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In a series of interviews by hosts Maddy and Isabel, Switchboard shines a spotlight on the homeless experience, investigating council policy and speaking to students involved in volunteer outreach programs. This week’s episode begins with Angel, a homeless man who has been living on the streets in Cambridge. He talks openly with Isabel and Maddy about how he came to be a rough sleeper and his experience of homelessness in the city centre. (0:55) Next, Sam Crawley, a news correspondent for Varsity, talks us through some of the heart-breaking statistics regarding homelessness and rough sleeping in Cambridge. (4:01) James McWilliams, the manager of Cambridge council’s housing advice service, discusses the help they provide to those living on the streets, through their own letting agency. He emphasises the difficulty that arises in Cambridge in particular, due to the high proportion of privately rented properties. (5:35) Relaying his experience being housed in a hotel over lockdown, Angel talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected homeless people, and his opinion on the council’s response. (8:57) With Angel expressing his views on the lacklustre support from the local council, the hosts put these allegations to James. (13:55) Sam Crawley details the current rent scheme in place in Cambridge, following a £960,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing. He explains the logistics of the scheme, and the response from local homelessness charity Jimmy’s. (18:46) Cynthia Fernando, Vice President of Cambridge Homeless Outreach Program (CHOP) talks about the work of their society to help those in need. She also discusses how housing issues can affect students themselves, and outlines some of the issues COVID has presented for the homeless community. (20:48) Founder of The Tab’s ‘Faces of Cambridge’ series Shannon Rawlins, speaks about her goals for this project, which aims to spotlight voices of homeless people and challenge student misconceptions. (24:03) Finally, this week’s guests give their advice on how students can help respond to homelessness in Cambridge, including actions as little as donating to a food bank or acknowledging and speaking to those on the streets. (29:45) Switchboard is Varsity’s flagship podcast. Episodes are released every Friday on all major podcasting apps via Anchor. Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Varsity website under the respective episode article. The Cambridge community is now spread across the UK and around the world, but Switchboard is here to keep you connected. Every episode connects you to an eclectic array of voices and sounds, from Cambridge and beyond... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message