Tuffers bowled over by the benefits of angling and how people open up about life’s challenges while fishing together – supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

The Environment Agency, Cricket Legend Phil Tufnell and Andy’s Man Club have teamed up ahead of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week to focus in on the theme of ‘community’ and highlight the findings of a new Angling Trust survey which shows that 90% of anglers are more likely to open up about life’s challenges while fishing with a friend or relative and that 80% say feeling part of an “angling community” is important for their mental health.

Phil Tufnell appears in a powerful new short film alongside members of Andy’s Man Club, discussing how angling communities help foster healthy mental wellbeing as well as reminding anglers to buy a rod licence, which funds work to protect fish, angling habitats and get more people into fishing. The film comes off the back of a new survey by the Angling Trust* to support Mental Health Awareness Week which reinforces the importance of friendships amongst anglers, with 8 in 10 anglers surveyed stating community is key for their mental wellbeing. The survey also reveals that while 4 in 10 anglers struggle to discuss mental health in everyday settings, 90% are more likely to open up while fishing with a friend or relative. 57% cite ‘connections with like-minded people’ as fishing’s greatest benefit!

WATCH: Phil Tufnell and Andy’s Man Club chat by the water’s edge about how angling communities and friendship networks have helped them and many others navigate life’s challenges and maintain mental health

Ex-England Cricketer, Phil Tufnell talks about fishing:

“For me, fishing has always been that perfect escape when I need to switch off and clear my head. Back when I was playing cricket at the highest level, it was my go-to way to escape all that pressure and just breathe. Nothing beats being out by the water, waiting for a bite, having a laugh with old mates or just enjoying some peace and quiet. Chatting to the lads from Andy’s Man Club really opened my eyes to how days out with friends can be vital to help blokes open up and look out for each other. Your fishing licence isn’t just your ticket to a nice day out by the water – it keeps these nice places up and running, where people can come together and be part of a community and have a break from those pressures of life – and let’s be honest, we all need a bit of that don’t we?”

Stuart Fawcett, South Area Manager at Andy’s Man Club added:

“The work we do at Andy’s Man Club is rooted in providing men with a supportive community and all the benefits that come with it. This is why it made perfect sense for us to take part in this campaign to highlight the community and wellbeing benefits of fishing. I’ve been an angler since childhood, but in my adult life, it has allowed me to forge meaningful friendships, which isn’t always easy for men. I remember having difficult weeks and receiving a phone call from a fishing buddy inviting me out for a spot of fishing. It was exactly the kind of support I needed at that time, without having to ask for it. That’s what’s so key about the fishing community: it provides companionship and a shared interest that is essential for our wellbeing.”

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager said:

“We’ve long understood that fishing offers much more than just sport or recreation, and the fact that 80% of anglers find community essential for mental wellbeing, as revealed by the Angling Trust research shows just that. This campaign with Phil Tufnell and Andy’s Man Club brilliantly highlights how fishing creates safe spaces where people can connect and support one another. Every fishing licence purchased helps us protect and enhance these precious environments where such meaningful connections are made. Additionally, some of the licence money also goes towards funding certain social inclusion groups that help those in need, seek mental wellbeing support via fishing. This Mental Health Awareness Week we’re encouraging everyone to discover how activities like angling can build the supportive communities we all need for better mental health-so pick up your rod licence, join fellow anglers by the water, and become part of a community that values connection as much as the catch.”

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation commented on how the Angling Trust are pleased to be supporting the new campaign:

“Thanks to all of the respondents who took part in our new survey timed to correspond with Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and our partnership with the Environment Agency, the Angling Trust has been able to help amplify the Spring Fishing Licence campaign and Phil Tufnell’s insightful words about how going fishing can help angling communities create safer places for people to feel comfortable discussing the personal issues which can impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Going fishing really does allow people to tap into “nature’s medicine” by not only giving us the chance to get out and enjoy being in the blue and green spaces where we enjoy going fishing, but by also creating the opportunity to meet and ‘click’ with like-minded people who are often more relaxed and comfortable to lower their guard and discuss some of the personal issues that can contribute to conditions where they need support with their mental health, might feel lonely or isolated or have social needs which affect their mental-wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week please consider trying or getting back into angling at one of the free or low-cost nationwide Get Fishing events funded by the Environment Agency and Sport England”

Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence
Fishing for many is about more than just catching fish. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, spend quality time with friends and escape the pressures of everyday life. All income from the sales of fishing licences is used to fund the protection and improvement of fish stocks and fisheries. This includes habitat maintenance, investment in facilities and clubs for anglers, tackling illegal fishing and working with partners to encourage more people to give fishing a try. More information on when you need a fishing licence, and how to buy one is available from the Environment Agency.

Andy’s Man Club
AMC are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.
They work to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Angling Trust
Anyone who has been fishing will know how beneficial angling is at boosting mental health and wellbeing. Find out more on how to provide or receive angling as a social prescription, find advice and links on how to start fishing and find a list of Angling Trust ‘Get Fishing for Wellbeing – Approved’ delivery partners local to you in our Get Fishing for Wellbeing pages. Get Fishing with the Angling Trust’s Event Partners nationwide – find beginner events and try angling – free or low-cost with tackle and bait provided free on the day as well as free fishing licence cover while you come to have a go at fishing. More info too on our Get Fishing Instagram to see how much people enjoy going fishing, and the excitement and fun of spending time outdoors next to water

The Survey: *Independent research conducted by the Angling Trust on behalf of the Environment Agency, with a sample of 501 UK anglers aged 18+, conducted with Angling Trust audiences between Friday 4th April 2025 and Tuesday 8th April 2025. The Angling Trust abides by the values of the Market Research Society which are based on ESOMAR principles.

Note: The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay obtaining such advice because of something contained on this website. Similarly, angling is not a substitute for your GP or medication – if you need help with your mental health or wellbeing, always contact your doctor, get medical advice or call Samaritans on 116 123 or another organisation.

The Get Fishing campaign is funded by

The Angling Trust’s 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 before you 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 to have the proper fishing licence before they take hold of the fishing rod or help the child fish with it.

Get Fishing is Proudly Supported by

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.

If there’s something that you cannot find here to help you start fishing or return to angling, please contact your local Regional Angling Development Officer – you can find the nearest one to where you want to go fishing here.