Shropshire woman’s charity helps more than 5,000 people get outdoors

A charity set up in a Shropshire woman’s living room is helping thousands of people access outdoor activities by redistributing unwanted camping equipment and clothing.

Fran Pearson, a Housing Plus Group tenant, founded Kitsquad in 2020 after recognising that the cost of outdoor equipment could prevent families from enjoying activities such as camping, hiking and scouting.

Since then, the charity has helped more than 5,000 people by collecting unwanted outdoor clothing and equipment and passing it on to those who need it.

For Fran, the outdoors became particularly important during a difficult period in her own life.

A former NHS psychologist, she became a single parent following the breakdown of her marriage and gave up work to care for her daughter Penny, who was diagnosed with Turner syndrome, a rare genetic condition.

Fran moved into a Housing Plus Group home in Shropshire and found that spending time outdoors helped her cope with the challenges she was facing.

“I'd drop the kids off at school, pack my rucksack and off we'd go for the day,” she said.

“I realised the impact being out in nature had on me. When I was out in nature I could think through my problems.”

The idea for Kitsquad came when her children brought home equipment lists for Cubs and Scouts.

Having always enjoyed outdoor activities as a family, Fran already had much of the kit they needed. But she began to wonder how many other children were missing out because their families could not afford the equipment.

“There's nothing worse than your children wanting to do something that benefits them and not being able to do it because you simply can't afford it, so I wanted to help with that,” she said.

As well as accepting donations, Fran and her volunteer team attend festivals across England to collect tents and sleeping bags left behind by festival-goers, rescuing equipment that is still in good condition and giving it another lease of life.

Kitsquad moved into premises at Atcham Business Park, near Shrewsbury, in 2023 and remains entirely volunteer-led.

Fran said the equipment could make a significant difference to people's lives, including those facing difficult circumstances.

She recalled speaking to a man who had received equipment from the charity after leaving rehabilitation.

“He said getting outside really helped him to transition back into everyday life. Now he's working, no longer on benefits and said we were part of that process.

“That's nice to see, when people turn their lives around and you've been able to play a small part in that.”

Housing Plus Group has supported Kitsquad through its Community Fund, helping the charity reach more people who cannot afford outdoor equipment.

Fran said the charity relied on donations from the public to continue its work.

“People say what you've set up is amazing, but the amazing part is the people who donate to us,” she said.

“If people didn't donate, there would be no Kitsquad. We're completely reliant on the generosity of others. They're the real heroes and we're just the middleman.”

People who meet the charity's eligibility criteria can apply for equipment through the Kitsquad website: kitsquad.co.uk/apply-for-gear/

Unwanted outdoor clothing and equipment can be dropped off or posted to: Kitsquad, Unit 44, Atcham Business Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, SY4 4UG.