It’s been a whole year since I attended a taster day with Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team and what a year it’s been. In many ways it has absolutely flown by and has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far.
Before I begin, I thought I would give a quick intro into Mountain Rescue in the UK. There are 49 volunteer mountain rescue teams and eight regional bodies in England and Wales, across nine geographical areas. My team operates in the Brecon Beacons National Park incorporating Pen y Fan the highest point in southern Britain as well as the beautiful waterfalls of Ystradfellte, and Cardiff, Caerphilly and Newport. It is a completely voluntary organisation made up of unpaid volunteers, who give up their time to help those in need, responding to 999 emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in any weather.
So why did I join? I have volunteered a lot over the years and I think it’s important to try to give something back if you can. I’ve wanted to join mountain rescue for a number of years now after seeing the amazing work that they do but something always held me back from applying.
I think from the outside, mountain rescue always seemed very male dominated, a bit of a boys club if you will. I never thought I would be fit or strong enough to join. I’ve always been a hiker but nothing more technical than that, so what on earth would I bring to the table?
I am no stranger to being a female in a male dominated environment. I worked in professional sport for around 8 years as well as “on the door” of nightclubs for around 17 years so what was holding me back?
In my opinion, it is often the case that women hold themselves to much higher standards. Women typically feel they have to work harder and achieve more to attain the same level of recognition as their male counterparts. I’m sure men have insecurities regarding their abilities too and I can only comment on my own experiences.
So in the summer of 2021 I had a word with myself and applied to join the team. I wish I had done it sooner because in all honesty, the majority of the reservations I had were unfounded. There are a lot more men than women in the team, I think in our team there are around 55 members, 11 of which are women. While this may not sound like a lot, Central Beacons is one of the best teams in terms of female members.
It is inclusive, supportive and respectful. A team I am proud to be a part of.
It is equal.
Women hold the same positions as men and are treated no differently, they are operational and support members. There are women in all aspects of the team such as casualty carers, water rescue, technical, fundraising, training and leadership. Do you need to be super fit and capable of carrying a 20 stone man on your back? You do not. These women are incredible. They are strong, independent, fearless, intelligent and brave.
In my intake there were 12 and 5 of us remained and graduated together in October of this year – 2 of those 5 were women. It is tough and a lot to learn but with that comes one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of.
This team is like a weird, dysfunctional family which I wouldn’t change for the world. What I have learned is if there is something you’ve been waiting or wanting to do, don’t let your own doubts or fears hold you back. Just remember what Eleanor Roosevelt once said “no one can make you feel inferior without your permission”.