Fishing prescribed on the NHS!
Angling is set to be prescribed by doctors on the NHS to help combat mental health problems.
Fishing will be prescribed to combat mental health problems
This significant endorsement of the sport’s life-changing qualities will begin with a trial scheme in the South West.
Under the pilot, which will begin referring patients this summer, GPs at seven surgeries in the Somer Valley, Somerset, will prescribe fishing to those with conditions such as depression and anxiety. Angling is one outdoor activity seen as part of the ‘green prescribing’ solution, which links countryside pursuits with restorative effects.
At least one large local angling club has agreed to provide access to fishing kit and venues for the scheme, Angling Times understands, although more are expected to follow suit as it gathers momentum.
People will be able to be prescribed angling by their GP as one of a number of activities to improve mental health
Angling’s advantage
Dom Garnett, who has been part of the planning process with the Angling Trust, told us:
“People will be able to be prescribed angling by their GP as one of a number of activities to improve mental health.
“Our sport has an advantage over some of the other activities labelled as ‘green space’ or ‘blue space’ therapy because it can be sociable or, for those with anxiety when around groups, it can be a solitary pursuit.
“If we get some good case studies from this pilot then we can get the message out there that angling is really good for you. I see no reason why this can’t go nationwide, which would be brilliant for angling.”
“I see no reason why this can’t go nationwide, which would be brilliant for angling”
The scheme’s backers
The trial in Somerset is backed by a partnership between Natural England, Wessex Water, the University of Bath, Bath and North East Somerset Council and the local NHS. It has been funded by Wessex Water, Defra and Natural England and is expected to run for three years, but may be extended to five if funding can be secured.
Wessex Water has backed the scheme because it’s keen to reduce the use of anti-depressants in the Somer Valley. These find their way into the sewage system and are costly to remove. The utility company has said that it will monitor water quality during the scheme and the University of Bath will track the project’s effectiveness by surveying GPs. Water companies elsewhere are also likely to monitor the impact of the trial with a view to duplicating it.
The trial is expected to run for three years
Fishing as a force for good
Organisations such as iCARP have demonstrated angling’s ability to help servicemen and women suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, but this NHS-backed scheme adds further endorsement and boosts the sport’s flourishing public image. When lobbying for a safe return to the banks after last year’s initial lockdown, the Angling Trust’s When We Fish Again proposal quoted Dr Paul Stolk as saying:
“It is evident that participation in angling can have a positive effect on personal health and wellbeing, most notably as a means by which an individual can escape or recover from stress, trouble or illness.”
Dom Garnett added:
“We know the therapeutic value of angling and more case studies will only help us grow and reach more people. This will help take it from the anecdotal to the real world, proving it works. It’s great for mental health generally, with fewer people needing expensive therapy and popping pills.”
“We know the therapeutic value of angling”
A step in the right direction
Commenting on the scope of the pilot scheme, Dom said:
“It’s not a silver bullet – it won’t be for people with really serious mental health issues and it’s not going to be perhaps the only answer or definitive answer, but it could help a lot of people.
“There will be a lot of people who haven’t processed what they’re going through and will still carry the scars and anxiety of lockdown once we emerge from it, and I believe fishing could be of huge benefit.
“Angling is more visible than ever. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if it was seen as part of the solution as we return to normality?”
Jane Wright, a senior adviser at Natural England said:
“I’m pleased to be overseeing this fantastic project, working with partners to embed the use of green prescribing to improve mental health and wellbeing.
“This year has shown how essential nature is to our wellbeing. Angling offers a great opportunity for people to connect with nature and enjoy a sport that’s healthy and fun. The health and wellbeing benefits of fishing are well-known and we hope to see a positive impact on the community and those who need additional support.”
Angling offers a great opportunity for people to connect with nature and enjoy a sport that’s healthy and fun
NEW match fishing league to raise thousands for UK charities
AN ANGLER from Kent has created a match fishing league in a drive to raise £10,000 for three charities – and he wants you to fish in it!
Ian Hardie, 54, from Maidstone, is calling for up to 80 anglers to take part in the Togetherness Charity League, which will be hosted at Kent’s Lavender Farm Fishery during October 2020.
The competition will consist of five matches and, aside from raising vital funds for three incredible causes, participating anglers will also have the chance to win cash prizes and Preston Innovations tackle items.
Ian tells us:
“The main objective of the Togetherness Charity League is to further support the NHS Covid-19 Appeal, the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity and the Abbey Physics Community Garden – which is a local mental health charity that I work for.
“Abbey Physics is close to my heart, but considering what’s happened over the last three months, I couldn’t stay idle and knew I had to do something to help fight Covid-19 and support our war veterans – just like Colonel Tom Moore.”
The money raised from entry fees will be split equally across each of the three charities, and Ian is already working towards securing further prizes from the tackle trade.
The Togetherness Charity League logo
Anglers raise money for NHS PPE
Members of the River Swale Fishing Facebook Group have raised £1,725 through an online raffle to help provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for key workers.
The group’s administrator Michael Hunter organised the raffle to help two men in his hometown near Leeds, who have given up their time in lockdown to make PPE.
Michael says:
“When I discovered that Nathan Bullough, a 3D printer, and Simon Brooks, a tailor, were making PPE and scrubs for NHS keyworkers, I knew I had to do something to help fund the materials they needed to make the equipment.
“I reached out to anglers and clubs to see if they’d be interested in donating prizes for a raffle and their generosity was overwhelming. As soon as the raffle went live, ticket sales went through the roof.”
Anglers put their hands in their pockets to buy £5 raffle tickets to aid the cause and to be in with a chance of winning prizes which included a Leeds and District ASA annual membership book, a Vortex Baits bundle and a Middy feeder package.
“The money we’ve raised will ensure Nathan and Simon can continue their work,” says Michael. “It shows what anglers can do when we work together.”
Complete visors ready to be shipped to hospital
Raffle organiser Michael Hunter
New fishing lake to be named after WW2 veteran Tom Moore
A TOP Midlands fishery is honouring WW2 veteran Tom Moore by naming one of its newest lakes after him!
The owners of Peterborough’s Float Fish Farm and Fishery have been making the most of lockdown time by building two new match and pleasure waters, then they sought suggestions from more than 5,000 of their Facebook followers to name them.
Michael Brooker, the fishery’s on-site tackle shop manager, tells us:
“We asked the question on our Facebook page and among the suggestions was Captain Tom, which we later elaborated into Captain Tom’s Pond.
“It just felt right! The other lakes on our fishery are all named after birds, so we decided to call the second water Nightingale after the hospitals which have been built in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Tom has raised nearly £33 million for the NHS following his fundraising walk, achieved a UK number one in the music charts and been promoted to the rank of colonel by British Army officials.
The fishery owners are now trying to reach out to Tom to see if he could officially open the lakes when restrictions are lifted.
“Both Dale and Elaine Hudson, who own the fishery, are keen to get in contact with Tom to get a potential date booked, but that might be difficult considering he’s a national celebrity!” Michael adds.
The lakes are expected to be finished and open for day tickets and match bookings by the end of July – subject to Government guidelines.
For updates on the lakes and more information about the fishery, visit or follow it on Facebook.
Dale and Elaine Hudson owners of Float Fish Farm on the banks of Captain Tom’s Pond
Giant reservoir match to raise thousands for the NHS
WELSH angler David Healey is trying to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS through a massive fishing match… and he wants you to fish it!
The 35-year-old from Cwmbran reached out to anglers on Facebook to see who would participate in a fundraising fish-off on the 434-acre Llandegfedd Reservoir in Wales, and within just a couple of days more than 150 people had signed-up!
The 434-acre Llandegfedd Reservoir will host the epic match
He’s now calling for other anglers to step forward, alongside tackle manufacturers, to help sponsor a potential raffle on the match day.
“The response has been unbelievable and it’s fantastic to see that anglers want to show their respect and support for NHS staff,” David says.
“I will confirm a date when the lockdown has been lifted, but hopefully we can raise at least £2,000 for the NHS, which has given us such a great service during the battle against Covid-19.
“With the assistance of my mates Rob Skellet and Adam Toomey, we have the potential to make this the biggest natural water fishing match in Welsh history.”
Organiser David Healey
Get involved
If you’re interested in taking part or would like to donate a prize, email Dave at davidjohnhealey@gmail.com.
NHS staff will fish for free on country's best roach water
ANGLERS who work for the NHS have been given the chance to fish for free on one of the country’s best roach stretches.
Christchurch Angling Club recently confirmed they would be providing free club books to NHS staff currently fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The membership covers fishing on the famous Winkton stretch of the Hampshire Avon, where numerous 3lb-plus redfins fell last season.
Club Publicity Officer, Andy Walker, told Angling Times:
“The complimentary books will have the same, full fishing rights of every other CAC member so will include Winkton, along with all our other stretches of the Avon, Stour & Frome plus all our stillwaters.
“We have all been deeply moved by the selfless professionalism and dedication displayed by the magnificent staff of the NHS throughout this crisis.
“We are delighted to extend this invitation and hope many of them find the time to enjoy some fantastic day’s fishing on our waters over the coming season. They have certainly earned it!”
The free permits will be administered on behalf of the club by Ringwood Tackle.
