Mountain Training England New Disability Fund
Mountain Training England has launched a fund to support disabled people to attend skills training and gain leadership qualifications.
Who can access the fund?
The fund is for disabled climbers and walkers who want to either upskill themselves in climbing and walking knowledge or those want to become a qualified leader/instructor.
Anyone living in England, who has a disability, whether or not you are in receipt of benefit, and who has a need for financial support to attend a course can apply.
Why have Mountain Training England set up this fund?
Mountain Training England aims to promote a diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches. We want disabled people to develop their skills and become role models for future generations of walkers, rollers, strollers and climbers. We recognise the disabling barriers that exist to participation in the sports of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering, and we know that disabled people are significantly under-represented in, and less engaged with, all Mountain Training skills courses and qualifications as a result.
We hope this fund will enable and encourage more disabled people to benefit from the development opportunities available through our courses and qualifications.
What financial support is on offer?
Applicants can apply for:
- Up to 50% of the median course cost
- A contribution towards the cost of a personal assistant or teaching/learning support during the course
How do you access the fund?
There is an application process, with four application dates per year. Mountain Training England’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee approves the applications. We ask that you get in touch with a course provider before you fill in the application, to talk through your needs with them. If this is a barrier or you want to talk this bit through, please contact us and we’ll help with that process.
Did you know?
A number of disabled people have already done Mountain Training courses and we’ve collated an anonymised snapshot here.
The fund is supported by a Mountain Training-wide approach regarding enabling disabled people to participate in our courses. We also have reasonable adjustments guidance for qualification assessments, which outline our general principles. Information about both can be found here.
For all the information about the fund and how to apply click here.
This fund is brand new this year and we welcome your feedback. info@mountain-training.org 01690 720272
*Image credit: Craig Grimes, Experience Community
Browse more on our Guest Blog for more outdoor activities & inspiration!