ON THE first fishing trip prescribed by the NHS, those taking part showed a positive response to angling’s restorative effects.
Back in February we revealed details of the groundbreaking initiative under which GPs will harness the therapeutic benefits of fishing to combat mental health issues.
Last month Dave Lyons, founder of Tackling Minds – an organisation dedicated to using angling as therapy – ran the inaugural session at Boggart Hole Clough, a park lake in Manchester. Eight individuals suffering from various mental health issues took part, and Dave revealed that the day had been a roaring success.
“Fishing was completely new to them but the reactions we saw as they caught fish were incredible – the amazement on their faces was something to behold,” he told us.
“We had great feedback from the Occupational Therapist who oversaw the event. She told us there was a real buzz to the day, with banter flying about and debates on who’d caught the biggest fish!”
Dave says that other departments in the NHS are now keen to get involved too.
“We plan to work with NHS departments right across the country,” he added.
“In addition, we’ve been contacted by the Angling Trust and some big names in fishing – all of whom have praised our efforts and are keen to become involved.”
The work by Tackling Minds has even been covered by national news outlets, to Dave’s delight.
“When people sit and fish, they can forget the stresses of life and simply stare at a float,” he says.
“The industry is really getting behind us, and we look forward to working still further with the NHS.”