Research carried out by Anglia Ruskin University in 2022 found that taking part in fishing regularly “resulted in higher mental well-being and fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to taking part less regularly”.
In the same year, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust in Greater Manchester started working with a charity to run fishing sessions.
A spokesperson for the nursing team at the trust’s Prospect Place site said activities such as fishing “can make a real difference to the people we support”.
The team said the activity gave people the chance to get outdoors, learn new skills, spend time with others and focus on “something meaningful”.
“Fishing is particularly beneficial because it encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment.
“Spending time in a peaceful setting, focusing on the water and the activity itself, can help reduce anxiety, lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm. The patience and concentration involved can also provide a welcome break from difficult thoughts and worries.
“We’ve seen how activities like this can boost mood, increase confidence and give people a greater sense of purpose and achievement.”
In 2025, a trust in Essex also prescribed fishing to help people with their mental health.
Meanwhile, The Angling Trust runs its Get Fishing for Wellbeing project, with local providers putting on sessions.
The groups from Launchpad work with a qualified angling instructor and Paddy is currently also doing his training to become an instructor, which is being paid for by a bursary provided by the Environment Agency with income from fishing licences.
He would like to see more organisations offering fishing.
“Obviously it works for veterans but there’s lots of other groups that it could work with for sure,” he said.