Angling project makes reel difference for children

A project based in a Nottinghamshire town is helping the community by getting young people hooked on fishing.

Mending Lines was set up in April last year by Chris Parker for young people in Newark, after he developed a love of angling and found it helped his own mental health.

Since then the scheme has supported more than 200 children including some not in mainstream education, with conditions including ADHD and autism, or who have been in trouble with the police.

Mr Parker said: "It's all about bringing the kids together, adults together, making new friends, getting them out in the fresh air learning new life skills."

The 55-year-old told the BBC discovering angling had helped him through tough times.

"When I was in my 30s I was diagnosed with a bone disease called ankylosing spondylitis," he said.

"In 2016 it sort of overtook my life and I had to pack up work.

"Through not being a provider I suffered with my mental health. I had a friend take me fishing and it helped. I thought 'there's something in this'."

The sessions are organised at nearby Willow Lakes in Foston, Lincolnshire, by volunteers, including Paul Revit.

He said: "The sessions are brilliant. The lads have all had their issues but the difference in them to six, seven, eight months ago is just unreal.

"When you see them catch their first fish it is just amazing."

Newark PCSO Katie Hewerdine credited the sessions with helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said: "We're all very much for kids going out there and finding a passion and a hobby, and doing it in the right way.

"Mending Lines helps us immensely, building relationships with these kids."

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