Fishing initiative aims to hook young people

A competitive angler and a former councillor have teamed up to create a fishing group for young people in the Seahaven area to help prevent crime.

Sean Macleod, a former Lewes district councillor, said the idea came to him when he used fishing as a way to cope in his own life.

"I was really struggling with my mental health when my mother went into hospital," he said.

"As a way to relieve stress, I decided to go fishing at a beach and I found it very therapeutic."

Mr Macleod said fishing encouraged mindfulness and he began to think how to promote the idea to young people in the community.

He says some young people in the area are involved in crime including anti-social behaviour, cuckooing, drugs and knife crime.

"The fishing group will not only teach young people fishing skills, but it's to engage them in a project or hobby where they can meet and socialise," he added.

"We want to show them there are different avenues to take and hopefully encourage them to appreciate their community more."

Joanne Barlow, owner of Bait Bucket in Newhaven, says fishing is the "epitome" of relaxation.

Ms Barlow, who was the 2018 and 2019 Ladies Pairs British Carp Cup Champion, added: "A lot of people think it's an expensive activity but it's not and it's an easy sport."

She says fishing comes with many benefits.

"It encourages young people to be outdoors rather than spending too much time looking at screens," she added.

"You can enjoy the immediate surroundings and if you catch a fish, you can share the joyful moment with your friends."

Ms Barlow, who is also a fishing coach accredited by the Angling Trust, said the project aimed to provide young people with a skills pathway, as well as knowledge of different marine animals, which may open up career opportunities.

She said at the moment 10 volunteers were involved in the project.

"We are running the project by Angling Trust guidelines, therefore the fishing training we provide is accredited and we can carry out safety assessments in fishing areas where we plan our fishing groups," she added.

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