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How fishing is helping young people turn their lives around

by Freddie Sandford |

Published on28th May 2026 at 10.34am

Having witnessed first-hand the benefits fishing can bring, one man decided to share the sport’s therapeutic qualities with local youngsters and has been overwhelmed by the response.

Until recently Bradley Storey had worked in construction all of his adult life, in a stressful side of the industry. Fishing was his release and, having reached a point where he wanted to do something more, Bradley decided to try to utilise angling’s positive benefits to greater effect.

With the support of his mother, who works in social care, and his wife, who works at a mental health charity in Essex, Bradley created Reel Impact Angling. This early intervention programme uses fishing to support people struggling with mental health, special education needs and disabilities, behavioural challenges, and school engagement.

“After getting my Level 2 coaching licence, passing DBS checks, doing safeguarding training and getting insurance, we put it out there and received a phenomenal level of interest, so much so that I recently left my construction job to take the programme full-time,” Bradley told us.

Reel Impact Angling operates at Oak Lakes, Essex, and although it has only been going for a few months, it has already witnessed some amazing success stories.

“One little lad who has autism and anxiety issues came along – he wasn’t even talking to his own family. But, when fishing, he opened up and spoke to me. His dad was almost in tears.

“There’s a 16-year-old girl who comes along too, who always says how much she wants to return because of how positive being in nature is for her.”

“The parents of the participants are seeing huge benefits in their children. I tell them I’m not a therapist or a councillor – I’m a 6ft 1in builder – but I can have a laugh with people and let them enjoy being children.

“Fishing allows kids to be kids, and these sessions are helping me too.”

“We hope to expand things over the next few months, so if anyone has any interest in our work, please get in touch.”

For more info, visit: www.reelimpactangling.co.uk

There aren't many better things for the mind than angling!

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