Social prescribing, which is also known as a community referral, is a method of enabling GPs, nurses and other health care professionals to refer people to a range of local and non-clinical services.
Social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way, as well as also aiming to support individuals to take greater control of their own health. Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations.
Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
The Angling and Mental Health Initiative (AMHI) have been working with NHS social prescribing services and the Angling Trust to provide access to such a platform using the sport of fishing.
Fishing, which is also known as angling, is the sport of catching fish. A person who goes fishing is known as an angler. Fishing can be either freshwater or saltwater, typically using a rod, line, and a hook. Fishing originated as a means of providing food for survival. In its most basic form, fishing is throwing out a fishing line with some form of hook on it. Then pulling in the fish when it goes for your baited hook or fishing lure.
Fishing is first and foremost a sport, enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It can also bring other benefits, such as being in a relaxed and calming environment or learning new skills to catch your first fish. Fishing can aid in reducing depression, relieving stress and anxiety.
Every fishing venue will be abundant with wildlife, from the humble Water Boatman to the red chested Robin and surrounding yourself with nature and wonder can boost your mental health.
Learning how to relax, de-stress from the modern world, as well as enjoying the benefits from the plant life are just a few of the positive effects of fishing.
Whenever you go fishing, it requires a little focus and awareness, and this can take your mind off life stresses or any internal conflicts. Some of the positive effects of fishing are very similar to meditation.The main resulting factor of this may help you to reduce any anxieties you are currently experiencing, it can help fight off depression, and will help to promote relaxation.
Recent studies have shown that fishing lowers your stress levels (known as cortisol levels), and those that fish regularly have experienced positive effects that can last for as long as two to three weeks after.
Being around moving water has been proven to make people feel calmer and more creative. It is also known that being near water triggers our parasympathetic nervous system.
This helps to lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, your digestion is stimulated, and your body can relax. Researchers also found that listening to natural sounds can invoke a more relaxed physical state.
This indicates the body is moving away from a “fight or flight” response to a peaceful one. It provides soothing sensory experiences.
IMPORTANT: Fishing will require a fishing license, it is illegal to fish without one.
These are available from the Environment Agency at gov.uk/fishing-licences
The Angling and Mental Health Initiative (AMHI) regularly hold ‘Let’s Go Fishing!’ FREE open day events throughout spring and summer, and they are a great introduction to all things fishing and wellbeing. They are driven to help people learn and understand the wellbeing benefits of fishing, and learn how to catch fish. You’ll get a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and de-stress being surrounded by nature.
These events are held at various venues around the beautiful Sussex countryside, the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Register your interest with your NHS Social Prescribing Link Worker and they will inform us of your interest. We then work with them on how best to get you involved and your requirements.
There are FREE sessions available at one of the AMHI Social Prescribing days, these are held twice weekly through May to October. We can also offer voluntary roles, other opportunities with AMHI at events and with work such as venue maintenance (very therapeutic!) and much more.
We also offer discounted Angling Development courses, which help you to build on your fishing skills and help to keep you on track with your mental wellbeing.
For more information visit out website or contact your nearest NHS social prescribing healthcare centre or your GP.
