Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. The Angling Trust, Environment Agency, Cricket Legend and TV Star Phil Tufnell and Andy’s Man Club have teamed up for Mental Health Awareness Week to support its theme in 2025 of ‘community’ by drawing on new survey insight from the Angling Trust.

The survey has revealed:

90% of anglers are more likely to open up and talk about life issues while they are fishing with a friend or relative.

Of the respondents:

80% told us that feeling part of an “angling community” is important for mental health and wellbeing.

Angling communities help foster healthy mental wellbeing and reinforce important friendships amongst anglers – for example:

40% of anglers struggle to discuss mental health in everyday settings but a whopping 90% are more likely to open up while out fishing with a friend or relative.

Of those who responded:

57% cite ‘connections with like-minded people’ as fishing’s greatest benefit, thus highlighting the community-natured element that fishing inherently brings to the fore when we simply get out together, spend time on the bank and be present with our surroundings and other like-minded participants!

Because most people who have been fishing already know how beneficial angling is at boosting mental health and wellbeing, these stats might be something that anglers don’t even usually factor-in to the reasons behind why they love fishing so much, however they are incredibly useful in showcasing angling as a significant and proven way for people to achieve and then maintain their wellbeing, as well as strengthening human-connections in our increasingly disconnected every day lives.

To read more about the Angling Trusts mental health and social outcomes initiative Get Fishing for Wellbeing or to get involved in our work to connect social prescribing organisations including the NHS and charities to those who benefit from “fishing on prescription” please visit our Get Fishing for Wellbeing pages which contain a wealth of information about our nationwide network of Get Fishing for Wellbeing Approved Partners. To get into fishing for the first time, or return to angling after a break come to a Get Fishing Event with the Angling Trust’s Event Partners nationwide. You’ll find beginner events and have a go at angling  sessions which are all free or low-cost and where tackle and bait is provided to use free on the day. Plus – at Get Fishing events a free fishing licence is provided while you come to have a go at fishing thanks to the Environment Agency which funds the programme from the sales of fishing licences. 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.

“For me, fishing has always been that perfect escape when I need to switch off and clear my head…Nothing beats being out by the water, waiting for a bite, having a laugh with old mates or just enjoying some peace and quiet…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?”
Ex-England Cricketer, Phil Tufnell talking about 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.”
Stuart Fawcett, Andy’s Man Club South Area Manager

REMEMBER: Get an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence before you go fishing – it’s a legal requirement! 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 licenses 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.

Mental Health Awareness Week
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week – bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12th to 18th May 2025 and the theme is ‘community’.

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.

Our 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.