Published in Blog - News on 1st May 2025

help guide our next steps

Announcing the Aim 2 Change Summit: Working together to make climbing accessible for all.

We’re excited to officially announce Aim 2 Change, a day-long summit created in partnership between the Association of British Climbing Walls and Development through Challenge.

Aim 2 Change is dedicated to exploring how indoor climbing walls can be more inclusive and accessible, and is for anyone working in or passionate about climbing. For our first summit, we’re focusing on accessibility.

Taking place on October 2025 at Mile End Climbing Wall in London, the event will include:

Insightful speakers and powerful panel discussions led by people with lived experience of disability
Interactive workshops
A social climbing session to end the day.

The programme will have something for everyone - whether you're a seasoned Centre Manager or a new staff member behind the counter. Crucially, it will be shaped and delivered (wherever possible) by Deaf or disabled people with lived experience of the barriers we’re here to break down.

We know the will for change is there, but sometimes the resources, confidence, and knowledge are missing. Many indoor climbing walls want to make their spaces more accessible but aren’t sure where to start. They worry about safety, don’t have the budget for major renovations, or feel overwhelmed by the scope of change needed.

We get it. At Development through Challenge, we run Mile End Climbing Wall, and we’re far from perfect either. This isn’t about perfection. Our key focus for this event is on achievable and actionable change, and helping climbing wall staff members to feel more confident in taking action.

Our aim is for the impact of this day to go beyond the event itself. Attendees will be encouraged to commit to meaningful changes within their walls – big or small. We'll follow up post-event to hear how you're getting on, share success stories, and create a growing network of climbing walls committed to building a more inclusive climbing culture and making genuine change.

Ready to Aim 2 Change? Find out more about getting involved with the event below…

Want to Get Involved? We’re looking for…

Steering Committee Members with Lived Experience

This summit should be shaped by the voices of those who’ve experienced the barriers we’re trying to dismantle. If you’re a Deaf or disabled person with a passion for sport, we’d love you to help guide this project - whether you’re a seasoned climber, total beginner, or never been to climbing wall before.

What we’ll ask you to do:

Complete an initial questionnaire
Join monthly online steering group meetings
Offer feedback and help shape the content and approach of the summit
Support with promoting the event

In return, you’ll get:

Free ticket to the event
Expenses paid
A free 10-climb punch card at Mile End Climbing Wall OR a free instructed session

Interested? Reach out to Amy and El at aim2change@mileendwall.org.uk and let’s chat.

Interested Climbing Walls – Register your Interest

Are you part of a climbing wall team that wants to Aim 2 Change?

Whether you're front desk staff, an instructor, routesetter, or in a leadership role, this summit will offer something for everyone. By registering your interest now, you’ll:

Help us shape the conversation to fit your needs and questions
Be the first to know when tickets go live
Get exclusive access to our Early Bird discount

Sign up to our mailing list here.

Want to host a table?

We’re looking for charities, social clubs, and other organisations to host tables at Aim 2 Change and chat to people about the work they’re doing to improve access in sport - in the climbing world and beyond. We will have free spaces available for smaller charities and social clubs.