A Darker Side

It might be too easy to fall in love with the almost “Disneyworld” version of Cambridge. The sheer volume of history can easily swallow you as you wander the streets. Architecture, traditions, stories, and even ghosts (yes, there are ghost tours, too) make this city a sort of wonderland. But it has a another, all too real side.

My afternoon walk on Sunday took me into a less than picturesque part of the city. Still populated with university related buildings, it was much less storied. More modern residence halls interspersed among aging nineteenth-century college lodges and lecture halls formed the landscape – if you could call it that. It was more concrete than cobblestone; more motorbikes, cars, and buses than bicycles. There were few tourist types. There were fewer people. They were students – and people who lived and worked here. The fare at the cafes was simpler, and a bit cheaper (though not much), which probably accounted for why there were fewer of them and fewer customers in them.

At the corner of Manor Street and Jesus Lane (ironically) sits the majestic All Saints Church.

All Saints Church, Cambridge

Built in stages between 1863 and 1871, by 1973, the church had outlived its usefulness and was closed. Changing demographics and the encroachment of the university itself caused what the Church of England calls “redundancy.” It was entrusted to Churches Conservation Trust and is currently used for special events and the like. However, a quick survey indicates that it isn’t being used very much at all. In fact, a sign posted outside invites visitor in to see a “remarkable example of mid-Victorian architecture and decorative art. Open.” But the gate was locked and hadn’t looked open for some time.

Spent needles outside All Saints Church,
Jesus Lane, Cambridge

Education at a prestigious university like Cambridge is both expensive and tough. On the train ride back from London on the day of the Coronation pilgrimage I overheard a conversation between a student from China and her friend. She was deeply troubled. Her parents were arriving in just a few days expecting her to graduate with honors with a degree in biochemistry. How would she tell them that she barely made the grade – and that she would not be admitted to the PhD research program that was their dream for her. Not only would they be disappointed in her, but she would bring shame on her family for having failed in their eyes.

Even here at Ridley Hall, a ministry student is a “leaver” – the final year of study – and still looking for a “curacy” – that precious first ministry placement that will lead to ordination as a deacon and then as priest. Without that, in a few weeks, he may, in his words, “not know where he will lay his head.” He is not alone in this worry.

Pressures like this are intense and can have devastating impact on young lives. Some of this pressure leads students to try what are called “study drugs” – substances that allegedly improve focus, or stamina, while studying. This can sometimes open the gate to other drug use, although there is a strong anti-drug culture afoot throughout the university, it simply cannot be totally avoided. More tragically, mental health issues surrounding chronic stress like depression and, regrettably, suicide also find their way into student life at every level. In 2022 alone, the suicide rate at Cambridge jumped 3-fold from the previous three years combined.

The Church of England promotes effective help networks for people in crisis. You may recall my visit to St. Stephen’s, Walbrook in London (Coronation Pilgrimage, May 3, 2023) and the founding of Samaritans. You will see information about the work of the Samaritans all over the university. The core of Samaritans' work is a telephone helpline, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Samaritans was the first 24-hour telephone helpline to be set up in the UK. In addition, the organization offers a drop-in service for face-to-face discussion, undertakes outreach at festivals and other outdoor events, trains prisoners as "Listeners" to provide support within prisons, and undertakes research into suicide and emotional health issues. Since 1994, Samaritans has also offered confidential email support. In 2011 alone, Samaritans received over 206,000 emails, including many from outside the UK. It aims to answer each one within 24 hours.

It seems to me there is no more fitting work for the Church to be involved in than the support of the emotional and mental health and well-being of not only its members but also of the community at large. Regrettably, there is still a great stigma attached to issues of mental and emotional health, perhaps the gentle approach and cloak of spiritual guidance and assistance can help remove that fear and assist people get the help they really need. What can we do to help? What resources do we have or can we offer to bring the healing touch of God to those who hurt so deeply that their wounds cannot be seen?