Challenge Plus
Push your limits further than ever with Go Ape's newest and most demanding high ropes adventure. Available at Cockfosters, Sherwood Pines and Thetford.
- 2 - 3 hours
- £40
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Celebrating Pride with Will Moore
Published on: 31/05/23
By Will Moore
"Feeling safe is fundamental for productivity, and if someone doesn’t feel like they belong, it will affect their performance. Allyship is paramount for creating an inclusive culture, and everyone should feel free to express themselves, no matter what their identity is."
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Hello! My name is Will and I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m excited to share my journey as part of Go Ape’s Pride celebration.
I started working at Go Ape in 2018, fresh out of drama school, at our Alexandra Palace site. A year later, I moved back to the magnificent countryside of Kent and joined the team at Leeds Castle, a place that held cherished memories from my childhood. By 2020, I had become a Senior Instructor, then I went back to being an instructor again as I took a breather to focus on my art, and recently returned as an Senior Instructor once more!
I consider it a part of my duty to be a good role model for new instructors, to train them and to look out for their welfare. Balancing the management's priorities with the team’s is crucial and making sure that everyone feels safe, comfortable and respected is my top priority.
How I Live Life Adventurously
To me, living life adventurously, means stepping out of my comfort zone and not being afraid to take risks. Outside of my Go Ape life, I’m an actor, musician, and performer and there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of being on stage in front of a live audience. But, as equally adventurous as working on a high ropes course when I wasn't fond of heights? Each day brings a new adventure and it’s important to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small they may seem.
When I'm not swinging through the trees or performing on stage, I love to read, write, watch films and TV, and go on long walks. I’ve managed to walk 10,000 steps a day since February 11th - yeah, I'm pretty proud of that!
I love music, playing it, listening to it, and immersing myself into the stories musicians weave because I believe music is a language that brings us together. Oh, and I also enjoy spending time with my Weimaraner, Meabh, who has boundless energy and I’m convinced is possessed by a demon.
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My experience at Go Ape
As an LGBTQ+ co-owner, my experience at Go Ape has been positive overall. I've found Go Ape to be an inclusive place to work, and I've never felt singled out due to my sexuality or gender identity. It’s been a safe and welcoming environment, which I think stems from our goal of selling adventures and encouraging people to be themselves.
However, I believe we can still be more open and inclusive, especially as we operate countrywide, and there are certainly areas where people may feel they can't talk openly about their identity.
I think it’s crucial to foster an environment where everyone feels like they can be their true self. If someone chooses not to reveal their whole self, that's fine too. What's important is that they should always feel safe, comfortable and happy doing so.
Feeling safe is fundamental for productivity, and if someone doesn’t feel like they belong, it will affect their performance. Allyship is paramount for creating an inclusive culture, and everyone should feel free to express themselves, no matter what their identity is.
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Whoever you are
Wherever you be
It is our duty
To welcome thee
I may not always know
But I do have a hunch
That however it goes
There’s always time for lunch.
Our journey towards greater inclusivity
In terms of how Go Ape could be more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community, I think participating in events like Pride marches around the country would be a wonderful move. It would allow our LGBTQ+ co-owners to feel proud of who they are and proud of working at Go Ape, and it would show the public that we respect and value our team, whoever they may be.
Being a co-owner feels empowering, and as part of the co-owner council, I have an opportunity to help shape the company's future and ensure that the voices of the employees are heard. We all have a stake in Go Ape, and that makes us more motivated to help the company grow.
Looking to the Future
My future plans include working on more music (did I mention I'm on Spotify?) performing more live gigs, traveling, and finding ways to better represent my fellow co-owners on the co-owner council. I hope to make a difference in our community and the world.
Happy Pride Month, everyone!
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