Climbing for All at the Foundry Sheffield

It is a busy Thursday evening at the Foundry in Sheffield, BMC Associate Wall member and one of the UK’s most iconic indoor climbing walls. Known as England’s first purpose-built indoor climbing centre, the Foundry remains a thriving community hub, supporting inclusive climbing sessions that help people of all ages and abilities experience the physical, social and mental benefits of climbing.

I am here to meet Climbing For All Sheffield (CfAS), a charity run by Nick Whittaker and a dedicated team of volunteers. I have barely arrived when Kristan asks if I can belay him. He has his first proper pair of climbing shoes and is keen to push himself on a challenging route. Off we go, and the tone for the evening is immediately set. Rather than a regimented group session, volunteers naturally peel off to climb with individuals, blending seamlessly into the wider Foundry community.

After the climb, Kristan’s mum and Nick explain that when he first attended, Kristan found the wall environment overwhelming and would only communicate with, and be belayed by, Nick. Now, alongside being physically stronger and more confident, he has developed his social and communication skills enormously. His love of climbing is unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Elissa has formed a close bond with volunteer Roo. I do not get the chance to speak with her because she is so psyched that she climbs almost non-stop for the entire two hours we are there. Although the climbers range widely in age, many of the young people are referred through Sheffield Children’s Hospital or find CfAS through word of mouth. Speaking with parents reveals the hugely positive impact climbing with CfAS has had, not only on the children but on their families too.

Isaac, 13, is a talented competition climber who is volunteering as part of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He belays while Lydia and Jamie climb, with Mum watching on. Nick makes sure Isaac gets some climbing in too. A rope gun is always a useful thing to have.

Watching the session unfold is a powerful reminder that climbing really is for everyone. The Foundry can be rightly proud of supporting CfAS and other groups like it, helping to make the wall feel like a genuine home for all climbers.

Climbing for All Sheffield

We caught up with founder Nick Whittaker to learn more about the charity and the people behind it:

Why are you passionate about Climbing for All Sheffield?

I am passionate about Climbing for All because it has a big impact on people’s lives. Whether it is supporting someone recovering from illness or injury, helping someone improve their movement or confidence, or simply being sociable and having fun, the sessions make a huge difference.

What gives you the greatest joy?

The greatest joy is seeing people who find it difficult to participate in physical activity or sport being visible, included in climbing, and achieving success. It makes a difference to them and to everyone around them. Watching someone who faces multiple barriers work hard and succeed is inspiring for anyone.

What does it give the participants?

We use a ‘what matters to you’ approach. We take time to understand what is important to each person. That might be a climbing goal or a personal goal, and we work out how to help them achieve it.

Like all of us, many of our climbers want to improve their climbing and we support them to do that. Others have goals related to general physical health, mobility or range of movement, while some focus on emotional wellbeing. We see all of these goals as equally important and work hard to support them. Some climbers, again like the rest of us, simply enjoy hanging out at the Foundry, watching people climb, talking about climbing, drinking coffee and eating cake.

Why is it important to run these sessions?

People with disabilities are often invisible in the world around us, and there are huge barriers to participating in many activities, including sport and physical exercise. Everyone benefits from inclusion. Our climbers gain enormously from the sessions, and we do too as a team of volunteers. It is an absolute joy to be part of such a kind and supportive group of climbers who give their time so generously. In my experience, the climbing community has a deep seam of kindness and generosity that makes it especially inclusive.

How does running the sessions at the Foundry help?

We have always been given a warm welcome at the Foundry. It is a special place with an amazing history. Sheffield climbers value what we do and take pride in the role we all play in making climbing accessible and inclusive.

Why are you thinking about becoming a BMC Affiliate Club?

We had not considered becoming BMC Affiliated Club until recently. There are practical benefits such as BMC membership and insurance cover for our volunteers, but we also see it as a way to be more outward-looking. We are very focused on planning and delivering our sessions and making sure they work for our climbers, but it is also important to be part of a wider network of people working to make climbing more inclusive. We feel we have a lot to offer and a lot to learn, all of which will benefit people who need a bit of extra support to climb and to be a valued, visible part of the climbing community.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would like to finish by talking about our volunteers. We often say that CfAS is powered by kindness, and it really is. Everyone involved is a volunteer, bringing a huge range of knowledge and skills, often drawn from lived experience or professional backgrounds, alongside climbing skills, an inclusive mindset and plenty of enthusiasm. They are a special group who do amazing things, week in and week out.