Climbing for Change: TCA’s Partnership with Urban Uprising

At TCA, we believe climbing is for everyone—and that belief is at the heart of our partnership with Urban Uprising.

“The programme was hugely successful in terms of our outcomes of increased confidence, resilience to failure and participation in physical activity.” – Ruth Chicken, Programme Coordinator at Urban Uprising.

Urban Uprising is a charity that gives disadvantaged young people the opportunity to transform their futures through climbing. Every year, we’re proud to host multiple Urban Uprising sessions across TCA centres, offering young people a safe, welcoming space to grow in confidence and discover what they’re capable of.

Through a 6 to 10-week structured indoor programme, young participants are introduced to climbing as both a physical activity and a personal development tool. They learn to climb safely and responsibly, while gradually working towards an accredited climbing qualification: the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS).

NICAS provides a clear structure for learning climbing techniques, understanding safety and managing risk—key areas that help build not just skill, but also confidence and resilience. At the end of the programme, participants earn a certificate, giving them a tangible sense of achievement and progress.

The impact of these sessions goes beyond the climbing wall. Climbing challenges participants to problem-solve, trust others, and push through self-doubt—all valuable skills that transfer to everyday life.

“The course was amazing and i’m sad it’s over. The sessions made me more confident and resillient” – Urban Uprising participant

“This really changed me by making me more confident with myself. I was too scared at first but it taught me to not give up on things” – Urban Uprising participant

“I felt scared about climbing but I wanted to face my fear and after I felt confident about climbing” – Urban Uprising participant

We’re incredibly proud to support Urban Uprising in their mission to make climbing more accessible and impactful. Together, we’re helping to create positive change through movement, mentorship, and community.

Want to get involved or learn more about Urban Uprising? Visit www.urbanuprising.org