About Us

Our mission is to extend opportunities to individuals who lack access to extracurricular activities.

 

Project One operates as a not-for-profit, fostering collaboration among various communities. We acknowledge the significance of securing external funding, yet we prioritize reciprocity, refraining from burdening individuals and small businesses during economic downturns without reciprocating support.

Our diverse community encompasses athletes, artists, musicians, fashion designers, and content creators. We express gratitude to our supporters by offering exclusive access to events, unique items, and specially curated artwork, fostering mutual participation in Project One's growth.

Proceeds generated are channeled directly into sustaining vital services aimed at diversifying and expanding industries and providing vital services to those in need.

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Founded in London by Carmen Sianne McIlveen, coach, and qualified climbing instructor, Project One stemmed from her simple desire to introduce climbing to children from her housing estate. However, her stint at a climbing wall reception unveiled stark disparities in the sport's diversity. Witnessing families forced to exit due to climbing tuition costs, she resolved to address accessibility issues head-on.

Following initial setbacks, June 2020 marked the genesis of Project One, dedicated to devising strategies to enhance diversity within the climbing industry.

Notably, considering that up to 35.7% of BAME households in the UK live in poverty compared to 17.2% of white households*, it's evident that financial constraints limit participation in extracurricular activities and hobbies for certain demographics. With the pandemic exacerbating financial strains and restricting access to services, the imperative to cultivate opportunities for community well-being becomes even more pressing.

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In 2021/22, Carmen's ill-health and subsequent lack of access to climbing walls and the outdoors of her own, she came to recognise the need to offer alternatives to climbing and outdoor activities that will benefit people's well-being, so decided to expand Project One's services. 

Through these endeavours, we aspire to introduce underrepresented or impoverished communities to sports and the creative industries for years to come.