Does genuine accessibility to the outdoors really mean no restrictions?

For British Exploring Society, this question feels more crucial than ever. We want to provide a more diverse community of young people with access to the transformative benefits of challenging adventure in the wilderness. The environments in which our programmes take place are key to providing young people with a life-defining journey of personal development - particularly for those who have not previously benefited from the freedoms of the outdoors. But should there really be no limits to where we can go, and who can go there? Particularly with our impact on the climate to consider?

To explore what it might mean to ‘Access All Areas’, to consider the impact that access can have on an individual and to ponder our moral responsibilities in championing the outdoors, we have invited Aaron Phipps and Cathy O’Dowd for their thought-provoking perspectives and conversation around our virtual campfire.

Aaron Phipps and Cathy O'Dowd are remarkable, uniquely different individuals. What unites them are the records they’ve set by conquering specific challenges - which have traditionally excluded ‘people like them’- and the career paths those achievements have set them on.

In an exclusive Fireside Talk hosted by Honor Wilson-Fletcher MBE FRGS FBES, Cathy and Aaron will share what those experiences meant to them, what drew them to those specific journeys, and what they have learnt from those challenges. They will challenge us all to think more deeply about our choices when we consider adventure.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Aaron Phipps

Aaron Phipps is a British Wheelchair Rugby player, Paralympian, motivational speaker and Father of two. In 2016 he scaled Mt Kilimanjaro on his hands and knees, becoming the first disabled Briton to reach the peak, and the first disabled person to reach it without assistance.

Learn more about Aaron here.

Cathy O’Dowd

Cathy O’Dowd is a South African rock climber, mountaineer, author and motivational speaker. She was the first woman in the world to climb Everest from both its north and south sides, and continues to be an active adventurer.

Learn more about Cathy here.

MEET OUR HOST

Honor Wilson-Fletcher MBE FRGS FBES

Honor joined British Exploring Society as CEO in 2016. She was previously CEO for 6 years at the Aldridge Foundation where she helped establish 12 state schools in some of the most deprived parts of England. She has worked in and been a trustee of literacy, cultural and fair access organisations for over 35 years.

ABOUT BRITISH EXPLORING SOCIETY

British Exploring Society is a world class youth development charity with a unique heritage, founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and equipping young people with the courage, skills, resilience and determination to make the most of their future.

At a time of great uncertainty for young people, our work has greater urgency than ever before.

Together, we can help young people build resilience, confidence and key life skills at a pivotal stage in their lives.

We have lowered our ticket price to ensure our Fireside Talks are accessible.

We are still reliant on the generosity of our supporters to deliver life-defining impact. We hope you will consider making a donation today.

Or to learn more about how we can work together to transform young lives, you might like to visit our Patron page.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy-Leigh at amy-leigh@britishexploring.org