A new wellbeing initiative that uses fishing to improve mental health has been launched in Bristol. The initiative is a partnership between The Angling Trust, Wesport and Sirona care & health.
Angling has become hugely popular since the pandemic, with the Environment Agency reporting 100,000 more fishing licences being sold in 2020.
The Angling Trust has made Bristol Harbourside the flagship South West community fishing hub as part of its We Fish As One campaign.
This local scheme has worked with community groups to train up new angling coaches from inner-city and East Bristol areas so that community events at the harbourside can continue sustainably and discover the next generation of anglers.
Three coaching events have been held at Bristol Harbouside since the summer, with people from Bristol’s Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani and Somali communities.
The campaign is part-funded by Sport England and the Environment Agency to address barriers to inclusivity in the sport and ensure as many people in communities across the South West get access to its benefits.
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