Communities First project transforms the lives of 50 participants through the wonders of fishing

The H&F Angling Project, funded by the ‘Together Fund,’ embarked on a mission to enhance young people’s personal development, foster teamwork, and combat loneliness and isolation through the engaging world of fishing. This project evolved from its original proposal by not only achieving its initial objectives but also surpassing them. The program focused on teaching basic angling skills and fostering personal development, education attainment, and social integration. The dedicated Angling team proved to be not just effective but brilliant in their execution.

The project extended its warm embrace to a total of 50 participants aged 17-63 years old, transforming their lives through the wonders of fishing. The brilliant angling team’s commitment and enthusiasm ensured that these individuals not only learned the art of angling but also experienced a positive shift in their well-being, social connections, and personal development.

The impact of the H&F Angling Project, led by the angling team, is nothing short of remarkable. The project emerged as a beacon of hope for its participants, providing them with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Service users reported profound improvements in their mental well-being, a reduction in isolation, and a boost in overall happiness.

By offering participants an opportunity to escape the daily challenges of being asylum seekers and refugees, the project became a vital source of positivity in their lives. The angling team’s efforts created a sense of belonging and a supportive environment, where participants could develop new skills, foster social connections, and find solace in the tranquility of fishing.

A few testimonials from the project show what positive effect it had on the participants:

“There is no doubt that the majority of us as refugees in Britain suffer from psychological pressure, anxiety and depression, but here are those who are trying to help us and hold our hand with love and sincerity to cross this period in peace.”

“We must never forget such efforts and humanitarian attitudes, literature, love and respect I touched today. It was a really fun day in our lives in asylum period”.

“A man from our group was interested in fishing in the sea, and he was asking how he could buy a fishing rod, so the office manager gave a rod with all the tools as a gift to this man, and this situation had a beautiful and great impact on him and on all of us, and we felt great love and affection from them towards us. Such situations should be written and recorded in books for future generations to read”.

These testimonials underscore the brilliance of the angling team in fostering a supportive and positive environment. Their dedication not only taught angling skills but also touched the lives of participants, helping them find happiness, purpose, and a sense of belonging. The angling team’s commitment is truly commendable and has left an indelible mark on the project’s success.

Errol Bignall

Head of Community Engagement Communities First.

If you want to find out how to get into fishing, we can help! Our Get Fishing events are family and beginner orientated have-a-go sessions where everything you need to get started is included on the day. Most events are completely free or very low-cost and are ideal for beginner anglers or anybody who wants to get back into angling after a break.

Find events at www.anglingtrust.net/getfishing or contact one of our Regional Angling Development Officers to learn how to fish at fun, friendly angling events near to you!

The Get Fishing campaign to get more people fishing more often is funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income as part of the National Angling Strategic Services contract with the Angling Trust, and Sport England. Children under 13 do not need a licence, and licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free but you still need to register and receive a licence in order to go fishing. You can get a licence for the full year, for 8 days (ideal for holidays!) or just a day’s fishing.

NOTE: Although young children who are under 13 year old do not need a licence to fish, the person supervising them needs the proper fishing licence to take hold of the rod or to help the child fish with it.

The Angling Trust’s ‘Get Fishing’ campaign is proudly supported by
Shakespeare, Exclusive Tackle Partner and Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner
as we all work towards getting more people fishing, more often.