Words by Cherelle:
Steppers UK is an outdoors organisation that aims to encourage diverse and under represented communities to participate in outdoor activities. Currently, Steppers UK focuses on hiking and cycling with plans to explore the outdoors further in the future.
The inspiration behind Steppers UK comes from wanting to improve representation in the outdoors & change the image & stigma associated with being ‘outdoorsy’ or enjoying outdoor activities. Many communities have a heritage in Africa, The Caribbean & Asia, where nature is in abundance and very much part of culture, however, there is a disconnect with the people of the diaspora. We have lost contact with nature.
Steppers UK aims:
Promote diversity within outdoor spaces & improve access for those lacking ability, representation, or opportunity
Increase the physical & mental well-being of our participants
Normalise the visibility of Black & Brown faces within outdoor activities
Support participates to eradicate any fears & stigmas associated with the outdoors
Provide fun & therapeutic experiences in nature
Create communities of outdoor enthusiasts & equip them with the skills and knowledge required for outdoor activities to become a recreational part of their lives
Create more environmentally friendly communities
Through outdoor activities create spaces to build healthier, caring, and open-minded communities.
The Outdoors is for everyone!
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Show notes
Founder of Steppers UK
What Steppers UK does
Working with young people as a youth worker
Not having much experience with the outdoors when growing up
Finding out that she likes spending time in the outdoors
Being sporty and enjoying basketball
Climbing her first mountain and her first WOW moment
Taking the next steps to spend more time in the outdoors
Finding a love for Reggae music
Spending time as a volunteer in Jamaica and Malawi
Working with young people as a youth worker
Encouraging teenagers to step outside their comfort zone
Launching Steppers UK in 2020
Leading walks for Black Girls Hike
Black Lives Matter Movement
Where the Steppers name comes from
Sharing the walks via social media
Starting her own personal challenge
Being filled with joy from going on these walks
Walking as a solo woman
Wanting to be present while out on walks
Experiences the benefits from walking and spending time outside
Gear for beginners
What can you do with what you’ve got
What can you do with normal grip trainers
Investing in gear when you find out if you like the outdoors or not
Role models in the outdoors
Learning about the outdoor industry
Future plans and dreams for Steppers UK
Wanting to encourage young people to use nature as therapy
Dreaming on a mini bus
The power of going on one walk
Making the outdoors fun
Funding of walks and Steppers UK
Frequency of walks
Wanting to get qualifications in the outdoors
Taking on a new challenge to visit all 46 Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England & Wales
The challenge of leading groups
Limiting the groups to around 20 people
The Nature Fix Project
How to connect with Cherelle and Steppers UK
Top tips and advice
The benefits of starting small
“Don’t underestimate the power of nature, and nature is truly healing, and it's freedom”
Social Media
Instagram: @steppers_uk
Facebook: @SteppersUK
Twitter: @Steppers_UK
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