Foundation

“I was racially abused on a train travelling through the North, a TransPennine train. The man who racially abused me told me to go back to where I’m from – but this is where I’m from. I’m from the North, the glorious North, having been born and bred in Manchester, UK. Suffering from anxiety, depression and ptsd in the wake of the attack, in my first book I Belong Here: a Journey Along the Backbone of Britain, I chronicle my epic journey of reclamation walking hundreds of kilometres through the natural landscapes of the North, the Pennines, known as the backbone of Britain, as well as through urban areas, and along the way explore nature, identity, mental health and belonging, as well as excavating the hidden place-based histories of Britain. “

“My journey literally began in Hope and is a way of saying: I won’t let having been victim of a race hate crime stop me travelling freely and without fear in a country where I belong. I now want to turn hope into action and help as many people as possible find a sense of belonging in nature, and to feel that their story belongs in books and literature – and so I’ve set up the I Belong Here project as a way of making practical place-based change.” – Anita Sethi, author of I Belong Here.

The I Belong Here project aims to increase access to reading, books, literature, nature and the great outdoors, helping to create a sense of belonging for all regardless of background, so all can feel safe and welcome while journeying through the world.

Initiatives include distributing free copies of I BELONG HERE to those who would not otherwise afford them, reaching marginalised groups who do not have as easy access to literature, as well as running writing workshops and walkshops. The I Belong Here initiative also partners with organisations to develop and work on projects to engage with underrepresented communities to address through practical measures inequalities in place and place writing to have a positive and meaningful impact on society and tackle social injustice.

SPOTLIGHT PROJECT: Partnership with The Woodland Trust (Greater Manchester).

Walking on Walker Fold

News: Kinder Scout Mass Trespass 90th anniversary

Opening open-air talk in Edale, and free books distributed.

Walking can be a way of saying: I belong here.

Today is the anniversary of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass which led to the formation of the Peak District National Park & inspired my epic walking journey of reclamation after a racist told me to go home.

In April 1932 hundreds of people, mainly from Manchester and surrounding mill towns, marched up Kinder Scout in the Peak District as a way of protesting and proclaiming the right to access to nature and the countryside for all. As part of the 90th anniversary commemorations of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass anniversary, I joined the Kinder in Colour event speaking at the opening rally before joining hundreds of people of colour to walk up the mountain. Free copies of I Belong Here were also distributed at the commemorative walk.

An interview about this can be found on the Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast.

Read more: from the i paper.

Walking up Kinder Scout

NEWS: Christmas charity giveaway – Manchester

x100 signed copies of I BELONG HERE have been donated to be distributed via charities throughout the city supporting those experiencing homelessness and poverty, including:

Invisible Cities

Mustard Tree

Booth Centre

Coffee4Craig

Bee Squad Manchester

Wood Street Manchester

———————————————–