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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

The Outdoors Fix is a podcast produced and hosted by Liv Bolton @liv_outsideuk

This episode of The Outdoors Fix is kindly supported by outdoor footwear brand Merrell.

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You can find photos of the guests on Instagram @TheOutdoorsFix

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