New angling training program is helping locals deliver long-term mental health benefits
A new wellness initiative using fishing to improve mental health has been launched in Bristol. Angling has become very popular since the pandemic, with the Environment Agency reporting that an additional 100,000 fishing licenses were sold in 2020.
Interest in angling has also increased thanks to the television fishing series Mortimer and Whitehouse. And now, a new angling training program is helping local community groups in Bristol build long-term mental health benefits as part of wellness activities.
The Angling Trust has made Bristol Harborside the main fishing hub for the South West community as part of its We Fish As One campaign.
This local scheme has worked with community groups to train new angling trainers from the inner city and East Bristol areas so that community events in the harbor can continue sustainably and discover the next generation of anglers. .
Since July 2022, ten Bristol Complete Beginners have been trained as “Level 1” coaches to help organize more local events within the community.
The initiative is a partnership between The Angling Trust, Sirona care & health and The West of England Sport Trust (wesport).
The campaign is funded in part by Sport England and the Environment Agency to address barriers to inclusion in sport and ensure that as many people in communities across the South West have access to its benefits.
Three training events have been held at Bristol Harborside since the summer, with people from Bristol’s Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Somali communities.
The first stage is the completion of the ‘level one’ certificate, which covers practical, theoretical, ethical and safe training.
The idea for the scheme came from Shahnaz Chowdhury of the ‘Health Links’ team at Sirona Care and Health.
Shahnaz said, “When I visited Eastville Park during the lockdown, I saw people fishing in the lake and the idea came from there. We then contacted a number of organisations, including Fishwish, Alcove Angling Club and the Angling Trust.”
Dean Asplin, Southern Fisheries Development Manager with the Angling Trust, said: “It’s great that Sirona Care and Health wanted to work with us and spark the interest of Bristol communities in fisheries.
“We’ve wanted to host events in Bristol for a long time, and this felt like a real opportunity to open some doors. We had a great time and the sessions were well received.
“Everyone caught a fish, the sun kept shining, and I was impressed with the commitment to try something new.”
“Even those unwilling to touch worms for bait were baiting their own hooks in ten minutes, when the desire to fish more took over!”
“Organizers found the event to be easy to plan, free of charge, and brought together people from across the community from all backgrounds, making it an intergenerational and inclusive place to be.”
Lucy Golding, Wellness Leader (Inner City and East Bristol) at Sirona care & health, said: “We have enjoyed working in partnership with The West of England Sport Trust (wesport) and the Angling Trust.
“Within Sirona, I have worked in collaboration with Shahnaz Chowdhury and Henrietta Fung of the Health Links Team to expand access and opportunity for local people to try fishing.
“Some attendees had never been to the port of Bristol or even been out since the Covid pandemic. The feedback showed that they really supported wellness and I am so glad that through these sessions several people have become Level 1 Fishing Trainers.
“This will support the long-term sustainability of expanding fisheries access and welfare.”
