FAqs
What is Kitsquad?
Kitsquad was first set up at the beginning of 2020. It’s the only nationwide scheme that supplies donated hiking and expedition gear to low-income individuals to enable them to get outdoors wearing or using the appropriate gear.
Why did you set it up?
I am a single mum, with two children. In 2015, I had to give up work to become a full-time carer for a family member. We went from a household having a full-time salary coming into a household to becoming completely reliant on benefits. This change in our circumstances was not foreseen and it didn’t feature in my life plan. My go-to place for getting a restorative balance in my mental and physical health was out walking in my local countryside and wild swimming. This is something that we also do as a family, as its free and endlessly available.
In 2019, my children brought home their scouts kit list for a hike and subsequent scout camp that they wanted to attend. I realised that the required kit was potentially very costly and this could stop someone from participating in these activities. We were lucky, as this is what we already did as a family, so sourcing the gear was not a problem for us. But what about the families who couldn’t afford it? Were these kids/families / individuals missing out? This is when the concept of Kitsquad was born.
How does it work?
The concept is very simple. Amazing members of our outdoor community send in gear that they no longer have a need for. It’s received, logged onto the system, checked, cleaned and reproofed (if required). When the requests for kit come in, if we can match the request with what we have in stock, it’s sent out to that individual. That item then becomes the property of that person and long may they have adventures using or wearing it. Should they find that the item becomes no longer needed, I encourage them to return it back to Kitsquad to enable the next person to use it.
Kitsquad is simply the middle person, between the donator and receiver. Without either of which, it wouldn’t be able to operate.
Who does the scheme benefit?
Our target group are those considered to be low-income. They must be in receipt of means-tested benefits (for example, tax credits, universal credits, income support benefits). They will not be asked to provide proof of their bank balances, just that they are in receipt of the necessary benefits. All the details of the beneficiaries of Kitsquad are kept confidential. There is no financial cost to the recipients of gear, it’s all covered by Kitsquad. In return, we encourage a non-identifying testimonial that we can share and a pledge to send back the gear if it’s no longer of any use to them.
The other beneficiary of this scheme is the planet. Recycling and reusing gear keeps it out of landfill. Shoes and boots can take up to 1000 years to break down and clothing 400 years. The concept of moving away from a throwaway society is a growing force and this scheme supports that ethos.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for gear please visit – Apply For Gear
Do you supply community groups / charities with gear?
We currently do not offer support for community groups or charities with a pool supply of gear. This is due to restrictions on logistics, time and funding. For this reason, our focus remains on supporting individuals and families. If this changes in the future, we will update this website and our social media with the details.
Do you offer a lending library for gear?
We might be able to rent some items if we have them in stock. If you are interested in renting some items for a specific event, please get in touch and we can see if we can help.
Are you a charity?
Yes, our charity number is 1207172.
How is Kitsquad funded?
It’s currently operating from generous personal donations. I have applied for some grants and I will keep doing so. The overheads aren’t huge at the moment, with the biggest expense being the postage/courier costs. However, this scheme is currently being run from my lounge and in the first four 4 weeks, it turned over more goods than it had done over the preceding year! For this reason, requests for grant funding is to cover the daily running costs (phone, postage costs, cleaning products, website) and also to cover the rental costs for some storage facilities which will be needed very soon.
I am also planning some fundraising ideas. Watch this space!
If anyone is able to help out with grant suggestions, fundraising or just donating, please do get in touch
You will find out more about how to donate funds and gear here>
Where are you based?
We are based in the beautiful county of Shropshire, though we cover the whole of the UK.
Our address is:
Unit 49B
Atcham Business Park
Atcham
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 4UG
Can you collect items?
Only if they are local. Most donations are posted to Kitsquad and the majority of items we send out are posted or couriered out to the recipients. Sadly, we do not at this point in time have the finances or logistics to cover long distances to collect or drop off gear. Who knows, in the future this may change.
What gear do you need? (most asked for items)
Our most requested items are waterproof jackets and waterproof trousers, followed by sleeping bags, rucksacks and tents.
The following list is not an exhaustive list of what Kitsquad will accept:
Day rucksacks
Expedition rucksacks
Rucksack liners
Rucksack rain covers
Drybags
Hiking boots
Hiking shoes
Trail running shoes
Tents
Bivvy bags
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats
Camping quilts
Baselayers
Down jackets
Fleeces
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof trousers
Hiking trouser
Technical leggings
Technical t-shirts
Socks
Gloves/mittens
Hats (woolly and sun hats)
Camping Stoves
Lightweight camping pans
Sporks
Camping bowls and plates
Food flasks
Re-usable water/steel bottles
Mugs (enamel and collapsible)
Torches/head torches
First aid kits
Emergency whistles
Group shelters
Emergency bivvy bags
Compass
Hiking poles
Trail guide books
Maps
Power banks
Is there any gear you do not accept?
Our focus is purely on hiking and expedition gear. For a general idea of what kit we will accept, think Duke of Edinburgh kit list. We do not accept any technical safety gear, such as ropes/harnesses or helmets. We also do not accept watersports/swimming gear, cycling gear and big family camping setups
How can I donate funds?
Can I send kit donations?
Yes….
We host a parcel drop-off bin at theKitsquad unit.
You can post/send/ship kit to
Unit 49B
Atcham business park
Atcham
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 4UG
How often can I apply?
If you have any further questions please get in touch we would love to hear from you.
