Press Training: Pitching, Preparing and Handling the Media - Resilient Communities Series
Following on from the first two incredible sessions in the Resilient Communities Series, we have one final event on the 19th June 2025 - Press Training: Pitching, Preparing and Handling the Media, hosted by writer, presenter and broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota.
The 2025 Resilient Communities Series is run in partnership with YHA Outdoor Citizens and supported by Sport England.
About The Session
Led by writer, presenter and broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota this packed two hour session will give you a practical introduction to working with the press. With a community panel sharing their experiences of approaching the media, being approached, talking to the press and managing what happens next. This session is designed to help you feel confident and equipped to share your story and gain a wider audience for your work.
Joined by panelists Kelly Smith, Lise Wortley and Nick Wilson.
Mary-Ann Ochota (she/her)
Mary-Ann is a broadcaster and author specialising in anthropology, archaeology, and the outdoors and countryside. She's presented TV shows for channels including the BBC, Channel 4 and 5, Nat Geo and Discovery.
She's hosted radio programmes and podcasts for BBC World Service and Audible, writes for magazines and has written three books on British archaeology.
She also hosts lots of live events. Sometimes she's the one being interviewed by the press, sometimes she *is* the press! Mary-Ann likes the outside best, particularly hiking and camping.
Lise Wortley (she/her)
Lise is a writer, speaker and founder of Woman with Altitude, a project dedicated to empowering people through the stories of forgotten women adventurers.
Her project has received widespread media attention, and her writing has featured in outlets such as The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Telegraph. Lise also starred in Channel 4’s survival series ALONE, living for 34 in one of the most beautiful but challenging landscapes on earth.
As her day job, Lise has been working in PR for the last 12 years, and has built up a wealth of media and PR experience which she draws on across her own personal projects.
Kelly Smith (they/she)
Kelly Smith is a construction manager and advocate for diversity in outdoor activities. As the Sussex leader for Black Girls Hike UK, they organised inclusive hikes that empower Black women to explore nature confidently.
In 2022, they founded The Black Tri Tribe—the UK’s first triathlon club dedicated to Black and Asian communities—creating a welcoming space for beginners to try swimming, cycling, and running. Through both roles, they are committed to breaking down barriers, fostering community, and making the outdoors more accessible for all.
Nick Wilson (he/him)
Nick Wilson is a Disability Content Creator and adventurer, aka Disabled Adventurer, empowering people to get outdoors through creating accessibility videos of accessible venues, places and trails.
As an adventurer, I show it's possible for everyday people to experience the freedom and joy of adventuring, be this enjoying an accessible trail or something more extreme such as going up a mountain. Which is what I achieved in 2024, when I ascended Yr Wyddfa in an extreme all-terrain powerchair prototype without any physical support or assistance aides, becoming the first to do so.
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