“I don’t think we ever sat down and said, ‘let’s build a community project.’ It just grew from what we knew worked.”

Helen’s journey into community work has been shaped by experience, passion, and a deep understanding of people. Alongside her partner Dave, she spent years working as a youth worker, supporting young people through challenges and helping them build confidence. But it was something simple — fishing — that became the foundation for something much bigger.

During lockdown, Helen began fishing with Dave as a way to get outside. What they quickly realised was that it offered more than just fresh air.

“We started talking to friends… and realised how many people used fishing to support their mental health.”

Discovering the Opportunity

In 2022, after a series of life changes, Helen and Dave decided to act. Drawing on their youth work background and their shared passion, they set up a community interest company. Originally, the focus was on supporting young people. But that quickly expanded. After working with a group of autistic young people, they were asked a simple question: what about adults?

From there, the model grew — supporting adults during the week, and young people on weekends and during school holidays. As word spread, organisations began reaching out to partner with them.

“It just went from strength to strength.”

Creating Spaces That Work

At the heart of Helen’s work is a simple idea: creating calm, supportive spaces where people can be themselves. Fishing sessions offer something many participants struggle to find elsewhere — focus, quiet, and freedom.

One child remarked: “When I’m at school, I’ve got a hundred things going through my brain… but here I’ve only got one thing.”

Sessions are flexible and person-led. Participants can fish, talk, step away, or simply sit by the water.

“It’s not about forcing people… it’s about meeting them where they are.”

A Safe Space for Families

The impact of the project quickly grew beyond expectations. Families began travelling from across the region to attend, drawn by the inclusive and relaxed environment. For many young people, particularly those with additional needs, this approach is transformative.

“They can just be themselves here.”

The impact extends to families too. Parents build trust, share experiences, and often begin fishing alongside their children — creating something they can continue together.

Building Community

As the project has grown, so has its community. Participants don’t just attend — many stay involved. Several adults who joined for support now volunteer, using their own lived experience of mental health challenges to help others.

“Everyone’s got lived experience — and that’s how we like it.”

Growing and Looking Ahead

Partnerships and opportunities have helped the project grow, from local organisations to wider programmes supporting both young people and adults. For Helen, the journey has also been personal. Once lacking confidence to speak publicly, she now leads, networks, and champions the work.

“I used to hate talking to people… now they can’t stop me.”

Today, the project continues to grow — reaching new areas, building new partnerships, and supporting more people each year. Helen’s story shows how powerful community can be when it grows from real experience — and how something as simple as fishing can bring people together, build confidence, and create lasting change.