We are pleased to announce the launch of our new inclusion fishing group “Fisherman’s friends”.
The group is made up of people who have been referred to the trust from Voluntary Action Rotherham’s mental health Social prescribing service.
The majority of the men used to fish but no longer do so because of issues such as transport, cost, lack of equipment and health issues. Fishing has been proven to enhance mental wellbeing and has both social and therapeutic benefits so this was something the Trust was keen to get involved in.
Without hesitation we teamed up with our National Citizen Service department and asked if any of their young people from the spring programme would be interested in fundraising for us.
The NCS Participants received a Dragon’s Den style pitch from Fisherman’s Friends representatives and heard about what fishing meant to them and how it would help them in regards to their experience with mental health. The emotive presentation certainly struck a chord with the NCS participants and two teams decided to deliver a social action project on the group’s behalf raising an incredible £551.50!
The funds have enabled us to get the group up and running and contributed to buying T-shirts for each participant, securing transport and buying each individual licenses and permits. Special thanks must be given to Martin Reed for allowing us to use Bakers Pond in Kilnhurst at a discounted rate and for supporting the group and its aim.
Since word got out about the group we have also received a generous sponsor from KDL Design and storage LTD based at Wath upon Dearne. Company Director Damon Woodhouse said “I myself know how it feels to experience mental health difficulties and fishing has always been something I have done to relax and relieve some of the day to day stresses you face. KDL are delighted to be the official sponsor of this group”
The sponsorship will be used to support the group throughout the year and to pay for a day trip of fishing during the summer.
If you would like to get involved, donate or sponsor the group please contacttrace@rotherhamunited.netor call 07961108640