Rain, snow, or blazing sun. The Outside Club works because of the people who turn up. Here's who we are.
The people
Every person on this team is here because they care, not because it's a career ladder. Many of us have lived experience that means we get it. We know what it's like to need someone in your corner.
We're trained, we're experienced, and we take safeguarding seriously. But more than that, we're consistent. We show up every week, we remember your name, and we don't give up on you.
Meet the team
I ensure that we have our desired impact in the community; through looking after our staff and young people, sourcing funding and fostering partnerships, alongside all other vital components that keep TOC growing.
It is my core belief that every young person deserves the right to choose their future and access safe places, safe people and positive experiences in nature. When not working, you’ll find me climbing and running in the hills with my dogs.
My favourite moments are the sessions where I step back and see a revived park full of life and laughter with a buzzing sense of community that will long outlive our sessions.
I help plan and deliver our outdoor sessions, shaping sessions around the young peoples ideas and getting stuck into everything from fire-lighting and woodworking to games and crafts. I’m a keen crocheter, so I especially love leading focused creative activities alongside all the adventure.
I’m passionate about making the outdoors accessible to young people who live near incredible natural spaces but face barriers to experiencing them.
A highlight for me was when we took some attendees from our Pategill group mountain biking at Whinlatter, watching them challenge themselves and try something completely new.
For over ten years I've been finding ways to connect children and young people to nature, trying to make it feel accessible and interesting, not like something you need special kit or a permission slip for.
I think nature connection can be big or small. Picking up a worm. Climbing a tree. Just running around playing games in the rain.
During sessions, I love having chats with young people and learning how they see the world. I also love being silly and playing games, basically getting to be a big kid. That's the best part of the job.
Governance
Behind the sessions, there's a board of trustees who keep The Outside Club running, growing, and accountable. They bring experience across youth work, community development, safeguarding, and governance, and they volunteer their time because they believe in what we're doing.
We're always looking for people who care about young people and don't mind getting rained on. Whether you want to volunteer, join the team, or become a trustee, we'd love to hear from you.