Get Fishing for Wellbeing

Many things can affect our health and wellbeing – finances, relationships, social environment, our health to name a few. For example, people may visit their GP because they may be feeling stressed about their work, money or because they are lonely and isolated. The impact that these issues can have on our physical and mental wellbeing has been particularly clear as the nation responds to Covid 19.

But, these problems cannot be fixed by medicine, or doctors, alone.

That’s where social prescribing comes in. Social prescribing connects people to practical and emotional community support, through social prescribing link workers, who are based in GP practices and take referrals from all local agencies. Link workers have time to build trusting relationships, start with what matters to the person, create a shared plan and introduce people to community support.

It helps people get more control over their healthcare, to manage their needs and in a way that suits them. It can especially help people who:

• have one or more long-term condition,
• need support with their mental health,
• are lonely or isolated,
• have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

Source: National Academy for Social Prescribing – www.socialprescribingacademy.org.uk

In Summary: Social prescribing links people to a range of activities that are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations, for example, volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports and pastimes, including angling.

One in four people will experience some form of mental health problem each year such as anxiety and depression. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused elevated levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Volunteering and spending time outdoors has been shown to benefit and maintain mental health and help to protect from some mental health problems. There are lots of ways that anglers can volunteer some of their time. Many of these opportunities involve being outdoors, or working to improve environments where fishing happens. Here are some of the ways you can take part in angling related activities which will also help to improve the environment – most often near to water and in surroundings that will really benefit from your help.

Invasive Non Native Species Action days:
Throughout the country there are a number of local action groups (LAGs) that actively get involved in managing invasive non native species. A list of action groups can be found here so if you are interested in a hands on day, where you can meet new people in your local area and help to restore our waterways then have a look for your local group.

Habitat Improvement and Conservation Days:
As well as invasive species management, there are plenty of other ways you can get involved in hands on work to help to protect and conserve local wildlife. Keep an eye out on environmental organisation pages such as the Wildlife Trust, Canal and River Trust and Marine Conservation Society.

Litter picking:
Litter picking is a great way of getting outside, meet new people and a form of exercise. As well as this, by removing litter from the bankside, beach or waterway you are helping to protect wildlife from harm. By taking part in a litter pick you are showing pride for your area, and will encourage others to take part too. Get in touch with your local fishing club or tackle shop to find out what opportunities are in your area.

Species Surveys:
Another great way to get involved in environmental work is through species surveys. There are loads of options available out there depending on your interests. For example, you could get involved in The Angler’s Riverfly Monitoring Initiative, keep an eye out for particular species, such as water voles or hedgehogs, report invasive non-native species.

Taking part in an angling litter pick is a great way to meet like-minded people!

Search for fishing venues, river levels, tackle shops, clubs and coaches – near to your home or further afield. Remember, you must have a rod licence for freshwater fishing in England and Wales. You can buy a fishing licence online or get one in a post office or over the phone. You are welcome to come to an event on your own or bring friends, family or a care-worker with you, absolutely everyone is welcome regardless of age, ability or background and you don’t have to bring any equipment – everything you need to get into or return to angling is provided – including bait!

Suggest “fishing” to your Community Link Worker – here’s how…
You can apply for a consultation with your Community Link Worker to help address any of the physical or mental health and wellbeing issues that you or a family member are experiencing. Please suggest that you try fishing as a support activity for your condition(s). Community Link Workers are often based in your GP (Doctor) surgery so simply ask the receptionist at the surgery or your GP who your Community Link Worker is.

Find your nearest Thriving Communities Regional Lead:
If your GP surgery tells you that there is not a Community Link Worker based at the surgery, please email one of the Regional Leads at the Thriving Communities project. They can connect you to a Community Link Worker near to you: www.socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/thriving-communities/thriving-communities-regional-leads

Need Help with this?:
If you need help explaining to your GP or Community Link Worker that fishing is a brilliant way to address mental health and wellbeing issues then we can help! Ask your Angling Trust Regional Angling Development Officer: www.anglingtrust.net/getfishing/contact-us

The content of this website is not intended to be a substitution for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay obtaining such advice because of something contained on this website.