Join us in making climbing accessible, inclusive and life-changing.

Refugees Rock is a free weekly coach-led climbing session hosted by The Climbing Academy in partnership with Borderlands and the British Red Cross. Every Thursday at The Mothership, refugees and asylum seekers are invited to climb alongside our coaches, charity staff, and Boulder Buddies—volunteers from the TCA community.

Join us for a session
When: Thursdays, 12pm–1pm, with tea/coffee afterwards
Where: The Mothership, Bristol

What is Refugees Rock?
Refugees Rock is a free climbing club for people fleeing war, persecution, and exploitation. Founded in Liverpool in 2021 by Borderlands, the British Red Cross and The Climbing Hangar, it has since expanded across the UK.

The club brings people together in a welcoming, inclusive space where newcomers to the UK can climb for free with TCA coaches and volunteers. After climbing, participants can enjoy free coffee and connect in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Why does this group exist?
For many refugees and asylum seekers, life in the UK is incredibly difficult. The long wait for Home Office decisions, combined with a meagre allowance and restrictions on work, makes it almost impossible to maintain quality of life – let alone access activities that support physical and mental wellbeing.

At The Climbing Academy, we know how powerful climbing can be in building confidence, resilience and community. Refugees Rock is our way of making climbing accessible to those who need it most.

Being part of a local community group can be life-changing, offering a vital sense of belonging, support and connection. Through climbing, we’re creating a space where everyone is welcome – and where we can all learn from each other.

How can you help?
TCA customers can support Refugees Rock in two key ways:

1. Donate to support travel costs
   Entry is free for participants, but transport can be a barrier. Help us cover bus fares by donating via the buckets at The Mothership.

2. Volunteer as a Boulder Buddy
   No coaching experience needed! Boulder Buddies climb alongside participants, offering a warm welcome and friendly encouragement. It’s about having fun, making connections, and supporting an inclusive community.

Get Involved

To volunteer as a Boulder Buddy: email francisco@borderlands.org.uk
To participate as a refugee or asylum seeker: email katie@borderlands.org.uk

Climb, connect and feel at home.

Our Women’s Boulder Social is a relaxed and friendly weekly meet-up for climbers of all levels. Whether you're completely new to climbing or have years of experience, it’s a space to share the wall with others, swap tips, build confidence and enjoy being part of a supportive community.

The session is open to all cis and trans women. We know climbing gyms can sometimes feel intimidating – this social aims to break down those barriers and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.

There’s no pressure to climb a certain way or at a certain level – just friendly faces, good chats and a chance to connect over a shared love of climbing.

Cost & Booking

• No extra cost to attend
• Pay standard entry or use your pass (see prices)
• First-time visitors: You can complete forms online before arrival to save time
• Second visit is always free at TCA
• All participants, including pass-holders, must book online in advance.

Climbing fun for little ones and their grown-ups

TINY ACADEMY

Tiny Academy is a relaxed and informal bouldering session for parents, carers and children under 5. Whether you’re a regular climber or new to the sport, this is a great way to get active while introducing little ones to climbing in a fun and supportive environment.

This isn’t an instructed session, but a friendly team member will be on hand to help things run smoothly. They can also assist with childcare, so parents can take turns climbing.

Many of our Tiny Academy parents have met great friends here, finding a supportive space to share the joys and challenges of early parenthood.

Climbing is instinctive for young children, and Tiny Academy lets them explore safely at their own pace. Whether they’re clambering on the mats, taking their first climbing steps, or just soaking up the energy, this session encourages confidence, movement, and fun.

Booking tips: If it's your first time at Tiny Academy, please come early to go through supervision and forms with staff. If you are bringing more than 1 adult and 2 children you may be asked to complete multiple forms.

No prior experience required.
Parents are responsible for their children whilst on the premises.

Climb together. Build confidence. Find community.

In partnership with the UK Paraclimbing Collective, our Paraclimbing Social sessions are open to anyone who identifies as a paraclimber – whether you're new to the sport or an experienced climber looking to connect with others.

These informal meet-ups are a chance to climb in a welcoming environment, share experiences, and support each other on the wall. Sessions are hosted by the UK Paraclimbing Collective, with friendly faces on hand to chat, climb with, and answer questions.

Whether you're trying climbing for the first time or returning after time away, you’ll be in good company.

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Beginners is where all participants age 8+ should start. Book now and watch your young climber enjoy the start of their bouldering journey!

Indoor climbing fun for little movers and shakers.

Kids love to climb – and our Little Squirrels classes give them the perfect indoor space to do just that. These fun-filled sessions take place in our bouldering centres, where children climb at low height over soft mats, without the need for ropes or harnesses.

Led by friendly instructors, each session mixes climbing with games and activities that help build coordination, confidence and focus – all while having heaps of fun.

Little Squirrels runs during school term time and can be block booked.

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Intermediate is for participants who have completed NICAS Bouldering level 1, and been signed off by their regular climbing coach to start attending Intermediate classes. If in doubt, before booking, please email bristolcoaching@theclimbingacademy.com or talk with your weekly climbing coach.

Indoor climbing fun for little movers and shakers.

Kids love to climb – and our Little Squirrels classes give them the perfect indoor space to do just that. These fun-filled sessions take place in our bouldering centres, where children climb at low height over soft mats, without the need for ropes or harnesses.

Led by friendly instructors, each session mixes climbing with games and activities that help build coordination, confidence and focus – all while having heaps of fun.

Little Squirrels runs during school term time and can be block booked.

A fun, social bouldering session just for teens.

Looking for a weekly dose of climbing, movement and good vibes? Youth Boulder Club is a sociable bouldering session designed especially for young people aged 12 and up. Whether your teen is completely new to climbing, working through NICAS, or just wants to hang out with others while staying active – this is the place.

Sessions include skill-building, technique tips and time to climb freely with friends. For those progressing through NICAS, there’s time to update logbooks during sessions too.

Important:
First-time climbers must attend their first session with a parent and watch our induction video beforehand.

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Advanced is for participants who have completed NICAS Bouldering level 2, and been signed off by their regular climbing coach to start attending Advanced classes. If in doubt, before booking, please email bristolcoaching@theclimbingacademy.com or talk with your weekly climbing coach.

Indoor climbing fun for little movers and shakers.

Kids love to climb – and our Little Squirrels classes give them the perfect indoor space to do just that. These fun-filled sessions take place in our bouldering centres, where children climb at low height over soft mats, without the need for ropes or harnesses.

Led by friendly instructors, each session mixes climbing with games and activities that help build coordination, confidence and focus – all while having heaps of fun.

Little Squirrels runs during school term time and can be block booked.

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Beginners is where all participants age 8+ should start. Book now and watch your young climber enjoy the start of their bouldering journey!

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Intermediate is for participants who have completed NICAS Bouldering level 1, and been signed off by their regular climbing coach to start attending Intermediate classes. If in doubt, before booking, please email bristolcoaching@theclimbingacademy.com or talk with your weekly climbing coach.

Our Youth Bouldering sessions are packed with energy, creativity and challenge – the perfect environment for young climbers to build skills, strength and confidence. Led by qualified and enthusiastic instructors, these weekly classes offer a fun and structured introduction to the world of bouldering, where problem-solving and movement go hand in hand.

Bouldering is a dynamic and social form of climbing that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses. It’s all about using balance, technique and creative thinking to work out short climbing ‘problems’ – helping young climbers stay active, focused and confident.

Participants work through a progressive syllabus that starts with the basics and builds towards more advanced skills. Each stage introduces new challenges as young climbers grow in ability, knowledge and confidence.

Youth Bouldering Advanced is for participants who have completed NICAS Bouldering level 2, and been signed off by their regular climbing coach to start attending Advanced classes. If in doubt, before booking, please email bristolcoaching@theclimbingacademy.com or talk with your weekly climbing coach.

Fortnightly informal climbing sessions designed to support mental health by fostering connection and community.

About CCC
The Circular Climbing Collective (CCC) in collaboration with The New Normal Charity creates a safe, inclusive space where climbers and non-climbers can connect, share and explore mental health through climbing. Follow on Instagram for more info: @CircularClimbingCollective

Who can join?
Anyone 18+
Led by trained facilitators
Meet in the café at 6:30pm, climb from 6:30pm to 9:30pm (centre open until 10pm)
See calendar for dates

Cost & Booking

• No extra cost to join CCC sessions
• Pay standard entry or use your pass (see prices)
• Free shoe hire available if needed
• First-time visitors: Complete forms online before arrival
• Second visit is always free at TCA
• Booking is online only. All participants, including pass-holders, must book in advance.

Join us and climb for mental wellbeing.

Master the art of effortless climbing

Want to climb with more confidence and greater control? Our Movement and Technique course is designed to help newer climbers build solid skills, refine their technique, and feel more at home on the wall.

Led by experienced instructors, this two-part course focuses on body positioning, balance, and efficient movement – giving you the tools to climb with control and flow. While taught on the bouldering wall, the skills you’ll gain will turbo boost your climbing, whether you're bouldering or tackling roped routes.

This course includes:
✔ Two instructor-led sessions – You must be able to attend both parts.
✔ An option to add a month of climbing for just £30. After this course, if you purchase a prepaid pass, your discount will be automatically applied at the checkout.

Ready to level up?
Book your spot today and leave feeling capable and confident.