Over the summer the Fishing for Schools team in Kent delivered six fishing sessions for the Trevor Gibbens Unit (TGU), at the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, supporting adults with various mental health diagnoses and other complex needs. These are part of a summer programme of sessions the team have been successfully running with mental health and disability groups for many years. Fishing for Schools coach David Evans updates us on our sessions this year.
The people who attend our sessions from TGU have often had some challenging issues in their lives which they have struggled to cope with and has seriously affected their mental health. The chance to learn how to fish in a peaceful environment is enormously beneficial for those taking part as they really appreciate the opportunity and thoroughly enjoy their days out with us.
With support and encouragement, it has been wonderful to see people becoming more confident and increasingly independent with their fishing. Catching lots of fish always helps and there were plenty of nice carp caught together with some perch and decent sized roach. Personally, I always look forward to running these sessions as there is a lovely, relaxed atmosphere on the days and it is fantastic to see the pleasure it gives, together with the obvious growth in self-confidence and social interaction that takes place as the sessions progress.
The feedback we receive each time is heart-warming to hear and very humbling for us coaches as it is such a privilege and rewarding experience. Here are just a couple of examples;
“I have really enjoyed the fishing sessions. it gives me something to do. It has been very helpful in lowering my anxiety. The coaches are all friendly and showed me new fishing skills. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air and I have found that my confidence has improved since starting the sessions”.
“It helps you relax. It’s good for the mind and body”.
Everyone who attends is encouraged to try different styles of fishing. This involves using both whips or poles and rod and reel fishing on the surface and on the bottom using floats, feeder and fly fishing. This gives everyone a chance to learn lots of different skills, try new things and ask lots of questions. To recognise their progress in the understanding of angling and the development of their practical fishing skills, each participant was presented with a Cast Award Certificate at the end of the final session.
All our sessions with TGU have taken place at Grove Farm Fishery, part of Hadlow College, which offers excellent facilities and fishing. We are very grateful to the College for allowing us to use the fishery.
The NHS staff who attend enjoy these sessions too, as they provide a chance to talk with their clients in a relaxed atmosphere away from the normal working environment. The team greatly value the fishing sessions, as they can clearly see the benefits in growing confidence and improved well-being. With mounting pressures on funding this year, I would like to thank the NHS staff for working so hard to ensure we were able to continue running the sessions. It is also great to see the team get involved on the day, having a go at fishing for themselves!