Get Fishing Fund Project: Fishing brings more than fish – how the NeuroMuscular Centre is reeling in wellbeing through angling

The NeuroMuscular Centre (NMC) are a fantastic charity based in Cheshire, dedicated to empowering everyone affected by neuromuscular conditions to live healthy, fulfilling and productive lives. Thanks to a grant through the Get Fishing Fund, the NMC have been able to establish their own fishing group. Delivering six sessions throughout the summer, the centre have engaged 110 participants in angling and around 48 volunteers to support the angling activity.

The sessions have proven incredibly popular with participants. A large proportion of the participants reported mental-health and wellbeing benefits – reductions in feelings of isolation, and real joy in discovering a new, accessible activity that many said they wanted to continue. For many, the experience offered not just a hobby, but a lifeline: a chance to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and rediscover confidence and calm.

What the NeuroMuscular Centre fishing group offers

For the NMC, the fishing sessions delivered much more than a fun summer activity. They provided a safe, supportive environment where people living with neuromuscular conditions could:

• spend time outdoors in calming natural surroundings,

• engage in a gentle but purposeful activity that could be adapted for varying levels of ability,

• connect with others facing similar challenges – reducing feelings of isolation,

• learn – or re-learn – a new skill and gain a sense of mastery and autonomy, and

• possibly find a new lifelong hobby accessible to them, regardless of physical limitations.

Because angling is inclusive – people with different ages, abilities and backgrounds can often take part side by side – the NMC’s group is a great example of how sport and recreation can be adapted to support health, wellbeing, community, and empowerment.

Looking ahead

The success of the NMC’s pilot fishing sessions demonstrates the real-world power of the Get Fishing Fund model. With 110 participants, nearly 50 volunteers, and strong anecdotal evidence of improved wellbeing and social connection, it’s clear that this kind of project has potential to grow.

If you or someone you know might benefit from similar opportunities – whether living with a disability, long-term health condition, or simply seeking connection and calm – angling could be worth exploring.

More information on the fantastic work of the NMC can be found here.

Events like these are added to our website daily and social media all the time so, please check our Get Fishing events diary for new events near to you by clicking this link.

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 Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner
as we 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.