North East Veterans Use Fishing to Help Their Mental Health

Veterans living at Launchpad’s Avondale House in Byker used fishing as a way to get outdoors and help take their mind away from life’s daily stresses.

The day-trip was organised by the Angling Trust, the sport’s governing body in England, to help residents relax and disconnect from everyday anxieties.

All essentials were provided, including the tackle and bait, licence and transport and despite the cold conditions, a good day was had by all.

The veterans visited Derwent Reservoir near Consett in County Durham where they learned to fish for trout. The lesson was facilitated by Dave Munt, Club & Fishery Development Officer at the Angling Trust who is also a Level 2 qualified coach.

Dave said: “The Angling Trust supports a campaign called We are Undefeatable, which was launched by Sport England to encourage groups of people with health conditions to become more active in sport. Fishing provides a positive experience and it is a great way to relax and unwind.

“We work in partnership with the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water to take groups of people such as those with disabilities or veterans and provide a different experience. The trips are very well received by all groups.”

Andy Hardy, Facilities Manager at Avondale House also attended the trip to Derwent Reservoir. He said: “We work with a range of different partners and organisations that provide support to our residents. A high percentage of our residents have severe mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

“We found out that Dave was working with other veteran groups in the North East so we asked if it would be possible to engage with our residents. It was a good day, we all got to sit together, have a chat, relax and let all those every day stresses pass us by. The lads were thrilled to catch a rainbow trout and one brown trout which we released back into the water. The feedback from those who attended was very positive and we are making plans to do it again soon.”

One of the residents attending the trip was Dave. He said: “Having grown up in Scotland where I used to fish, this trip gave me the opportunity to relive my childhood days. As a recovering alcoholic, it gave me time to reflect on my past history of my drinking into oblivion and consequently near death. It was a really good day out – even if you weren’t a fisherman.

“I was probably 14 last time I caught a fish so you can imagine the feeling of landing this beautiful Rainbow Trout on the shore of Derwent Reservoir. This trip had such a beneficial tribute to my recovery and I’d like to thank everyone who made the day so special. I would like to go on the next trip if it comes along.” 

Don Coe, Leisure Operations Manager at Waterside Parks, Northumbrian Water, said: “We are proud to be able to work in partnership with the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust by providing excellent venues in stunning locations across the region.

“Data from surveys commissioned by the medical profession state that angling ‘actively promotes and encourages socialisation, social inclusion and social interaction’. It also ‘strongly promotes health in many ways from mental health to physical health and wellbeing it is also a powerful recovery aid that benefits patients.’

“As a company, we are both proud and happyto support a wide variety of schemes of this nature in our region by providing partners and participants with an all-round positive beneficial experience.”

Notes to Editors:

AF&V Launchpad is a registered Charity Number 1153185 and Company Number 8633047.

• For more information about Launchpad, please visit

www.veteranslaunchpad.org.uk

• Launchpad welcomes donations to support its veterans, through its website
• Key partners that Launchpad work with are: Liverpool City Council, Newcastle City Council, Big Lottery, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Royal British Legion, Veterans’ Foundation, Forces Employment Charity, Addaction, Crisis Skylight, the NHS, SSAFA, Speke Training and Education Centre and Combat Stress, among many others.
• Achievements in the last year have been as follows:
  • At the end of September 2019, the total number of veterans helped since Launchpad opened in 2013 is 437.
  • 42% of residents leave Launchpad with jobs.
  • 69% successfully move on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they need.
  • Launchpad won the ‘Working Together’ award in the national ‘Soldiering On Awards’ and two founders were awarded the Prime Minister’s ‘Point of Light”.
  • Launchpad won The Veterans’ Foundation award at the Heropreneurs Awards 2019.