Cherelle Harding - Founder of Steppers UK. Encouraging Diversity Outdoors, Supporting Black, Asian & Ethnic Minority communities to build positive relationships with the outdoors.

<div>Words by Cherelle:</div> <div> </div> <div>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. </div> <div> </div> <div>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. </div> <div> </div> <div>Steppers UK aims: </div> <ul> <li>Promote diversity within outdoor spaces & improve access for those lacking ability, representation, or opportunity </li> <li>Increase the physical & mental well-being of our participants </li> <li>Normalise the visibility of Black & Brown faces within outdoor activities </li> <li>Support participates to eradicate any fears & stigmas associated with the outdoors </li> <li>Provide fun & therapeutic experiences in nature </li> <li>Create communities of outdoor enthusiasts & equip them with the skills and knowledge required for outdoor activities to become a recreational part of their lives </li> <li>Create more environmentally friendly communities </li> <li>Through outdoor activities create spaces to build healthier, caring, and open-minded communities.   </li> </ul> <div> </div> <div>The Outdoors is for everyone!</div> <div> </div> <div>New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out. </div> <div> </div> <div>The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out <a href="http://www.patre