Welcome to the first episode of ATE Reads, audio versions of selected content from All The Elements – a nonprofit network for those working on diversity in the UK outdoors.
This audio recording is made possible with support from co-operative tour operator HF Holidays, who have been providing walking and activity holidays since 1913. Find out more at hfholidays.co.uk.
“Alternative Outdoor Careers: Emma Harrison mixes Mountain Leader, Life Coach and Disability Advocate” is written by Francesca Turauskis, read by Francesca Turauskis and Emma Harrison, audio produced by Francesca Turauskis.
After a spinal-cord injury, Emma Harrison noticed how difficult it was to access the mountains with a physical disability, and decided to work on solutions. She’s combined her experience of disability with a Mountain Leader qualification and her training as a life coach to create her business Echo Outdoors, which offers slow paced walks.
All The Elements’ Content Manager, Francesca Turauskis spoke with Emma about how she realised this career was an option for her, the difficulties she has found during the standard mountain training options, and how her life coaching skills bring an extra level to her guided walks.
This article was first published on alltheelements.co on 28th August 2024. For the text version of the article, further resources on Mountain Leader qualifications, and links to all the people, resources and events mentioned in the interview and head to:
alltheelements.co/news/alternative-outdoor-careers-emma-harrison-mixes-mountain-leader-life-coach-and-disability-advocate
Our thanks go to HF Holidays, who made the audio version of this article possible. HF Holidays is Britain's longest-running co-operative tour operator, with over 111 years' experience in organising walking and activity holidays worldwide. They connect like-minded people through shared outdoor experiences and have a community of 48,000 members who have a passion for the countryside. As a B Corp Certified business, HF Holidays is dedicated to sustainable travel and community-focused initiatives such as their Pathways Fund, which has been raising money to provide assisted holidays and preserve and protect the countryside.
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