Adults from mental health groups get a taste of angling from the Fishing for Schools Kent team

Fishing 4 Schools Kent welcomed a big group from the Charlton Athletic Disability and Mental Health Trust to Grove Farm, Hadlow, yesterday (24 July) for their annual fishing taster day. This was part of many courses the group delivers to adults from local mental health and disability organisations once the schools have broken up each summer.

F4S Kent instructor Warren White said: "The most important aim of the day was that the group should get a taste of fishing and enjoy themselves, but we have also found in the past that fishing can have a really positive effect on the wellbeing of people with mental health and disabilities.

"Today's group was really keen to be able to fish at Hadlow College's Grove Farm Fishery as this facility is normally only open to Hadlow College student, not the general public, so the fish are rarely caught and are in prime condition.

"Fishing today was really good. There were plenty of silver fish, roach and perch caught on whips and also some tremendous catches of carp.

"It was nice to see the students, who were new to fishing, willing to try something new and feeling pleased and proud when catching a fish. Because of the scorching heat we made sure that the students drank plenty of water and took regular breaks out of the sun.

"What makes our courses unique is that we offer the students the chance to try a variety of fishing skills , including pole fishing, feeder fishing, waggler, whip and fly style carp fishing on top. Which for anyone new to fishing must be a great experience!

"I would also like to say a special thanks to the coaches for their dedication to work through the scorching heat to give the group a great day."

Other mental health groups Kent will be working with this summer include the Trevor Gibbens Unit in Maidstone and the Charlton Athletic Community Trust.