How Kitsquad’s Fran Pearson helped nearly 5,000 people in poverty to access outdoors gear

<p>The Outdoors Fix is a podcast to inspire you to make the outdoors a bigger part of your life. It’s hosted by Liv Bolton.</p>

<p>In this episode, Liv Bolton is off to Shropshire for a walk — and a bit of a splash — with Fran Pearson.</p>

<p>Fran is the founder of Kitsquad, a brilliant outdoors charity that’s already helped nearly 5,000 people experiencing poverty to get properly kitted out for adventures in nature. </p>

<p>Think waterproofs, sleeping bags, rucksacks, walking boots — all donated, and all making a world of difference.</p>

<p>Fran’s passion for the outdoors comes from a deeply personal place. And living in social housing and experiencing the realities of life on benefits, Fran knows just how expensive outdoor gear can be — and how that cost can be a major barrier to getting outside safely and confidently.</p>

<p>So, in 2020, she set up Kitsquad — turning generosity into access, and tackling gear poverty head-on.</p>

<p>Liv joined Fran for a walk near her home in Shropshire. It started off a little soggy— but they dried off inside the Kitsquad warehouse, surrounded by shelves of donated jackets, boots, sleeping bags, and stories.</p>

<p>Wanting to hear more about what inspired Fran to start the charity, Liv also asked why she’s so passionate about breaking down the cost barriers to the outdoors.</p>

<p>We hope you enjoy this episode and a big thank you to Fran and the volunteers of Kitsquad too!</p>

<p>Please be aware that there’s a discussion around a period of difficult mental health in it, so you can find more information and support on the Mind or Samaritans websites.</p>

<p>Enjoyed this episode? Get some of my podcast walking routes, full transcripts and practical takeaways over on The Outdoors Fix Substack 👉 https://bit.ly/4uRT0GY</p>

<p>The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk</p>