Deon Barrett, founder of the True North Project, has made it his mission to make the outdoors more inclusive for young people, particularly those from inner-city communities.
Speaking at Outdoor and Social 2025, in Edale, he shared his journey and the inspiration behind his initiative. His aim is not only to integrate outdoor education into the national curriculum but also to become the first Black Englishman to summit Mount Everest.
In the main marquee, Deon captivated the audience with his story, recounting his troubled childhood and how joining the army transformed his life. It was during his time in the military that he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. This newfound passion ultimately led him to establish the True North Project, an organization designed to provide inner-city children with opportunities to experience outdoor activities and adventure.
From Struggles to Strength: Deon’s Journey
Growing up in an environment that lacked positive role models and opportunities, Deon found himself struggling to find his place in the world. He faced many challenges in his early life, including difficulties in school and encounters with negative influences. However, joining the army proved to be a turning point. The structured discipline, camaraderie, and exposure to outdoor training reshaped his outlook on life.
“The army taught me resilience, discipline, and teamwork,” Deon explained. “But it also introduced me to the beauty of the outdoors, something I had never fully experienced growing up in an urban environment. That connection to nature changed everything for me.”
Realising how much the outdoors had helped him, Deon felt a strong calling to make these experiences accessible to young people who, like him, had never been given such opportunities. Thus, the True North Project was born.
The True North Project: Breaking Barriers in the Outdoors
The True North Project is centred on the idea that every individual has a personal “true north”—a guiding principle or passion that helps them navigate through life. For Deon, this direction was found in the outdoors, and he now works tirelessly to help young people discover their own path.
The initiative focuses on engaging children from urban areas in outdoor education through workshops, interactive sessions, and adventure programs. It aims to bridge the gap between city life and nature, giving participants the confidence to explore and engage with the natural world.
“Many young people from inner-city communities don’t see the outdoors as something for them,” Deon said. “They don’t see themselves represented in hiking, mountaineering, or adventure sports. That needs to change. The outdoors should be for everyone, not just a select few.”
The project has already seen success, with numerous schools and youth organizations incorporating its programs into their curriculum. Through engaging presentations and hands-on experiences, the True North Project helps children develop valuable life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while fostering a love for nature.
Climbing Everest: A Historic Goal
In addition to his work with the True North Project, Deon has set his sights on an ambitious personal goal—to become the first Black Englishman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This achievement, he hopes, will inspire a new generation of young people to believe that they too can accomplish extraordinary things.
“Representation matters,” Deon emphasized. “If a young person from an inner-city background sees someone who looks like them climbing the highest mountain in the world, it sends a powerful message: ‘You belong here too.’”
However, the journey to Everest is not just a physical and mental challenge—it’s also a financial one. Deon is currently working to raise approximately £70,000 to fund the expedition. While he has a GoFundMe page set up for donations, he acknowledges that more effort is needed to spread awareness and secure sponsorships.
“There’s a lot more to be done,” he admitted. “Marketing and outreach are key. I need to do a better job of signposting the fundraising efforts, but I truly believe that once people understand the importance of this mission, they will support it.”
Deon’s expedition to Everest is not just about personal achievement; it aligns with his broader goal of increasing diversity in outdoor spaces. His journey will serve as a beacon of possibility for young people who may have never considered such adventures within their reach.
Expanding Horizons: The Future of the True North Project
Beyond his Everest aspirations, Deon envisions a bright future for the True North Project. One of his key objectives is to transition the initiative into a Community Interest Company (CIC), allowing it to receive grants and government funding. This financial support would enable the project to expand its reach, providing more children with access to outdoor education and adventure programs.
“Becoming a CIC will open doors,” Deon explained. “It will allow us to apply for funding that can help sustain and grow our programs. The more resources we have, the more young lives we can positively impact.”
Additionally, Deon has expressed interest in branching out into television and media as a means of further promoting outdoor inclusivity. He believes that increasing representation in mainstream media will play a crucial role in changing perceptions and breaking down barriers.
“Young people need to see themselves reflected in the outdoor world,” he said. “If I can use television and other media platforms to showcase diverse individuals engaging in adventure and exploration, it will help shift the narrative.”
A Warm Reception and an Ongoing Mission
Reflecting on his talk at Outdoor and Social 2025, Deon was pleased with the positive reception he received. Many attendees approached him afterward to express their appreciation for his transparency and dedication to his mission.
“I’ve heard the reception was good,” he said. “A lot of people came up to me and said how appreciative they were and that it was very transparent. I enjoyed being on stage and it was a welcoming crowd.”
Despite the encouragement and support, Deon knows that his mission is far from complete. He remains committed to advocating for diversity and inclusivity in outdoor spaces, ensuring that future generations feel empowered to explore and embrace the natural world.
The Importance of Representation in the Outdoors
One of the key messages Deon hopes to convey through his work is the importance of representation. Historically, outdoor adventure and exploration have been dominated by a narrow demographic, making it difficult for people from diverse backgrounds to see themselves in these spaces.
“The outdoors is often seen as a space for middle-aged white men,” Deon noted. “That perception needs to change. We need to show young people from all backgrounds that they belong here just as much as anyone else.”
Through the True North Project, his Everest expedition, and potential media endeavours, Deon aims to challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive outdoor culture. He firmly believes that representation can drive meaningful change and open doors for countless young individuals.
A Call to Action
Deon’s work serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. He encourages individuals, organizations, and policymakers to support initiatives that promote outdoor inclusivity. Whether through funding, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every effort contributes to creating a more diverse and welcoming outdoor community.
“I want to do as much as I can to champion young people, especially those from diverse backgrounds,” Deon said. “Everyone deserves the chance to find their true north, whatever that may be. And if I can help make that happen, then I’ve done something worthwhile.”
As Deon continues his journey—both with the True North Project and his pursuit of Everest—one thing is clear: his passion for inclusivity and empowerment is unwavering. Through his efforts, he is not only redefining what it means to be an adventurer but also paving the way for future generations to follow in his footsteps.
Leave a Reply