The Angling Project works with vulnerable young people to engage them in new and innovative ways. The project is uniquely placed to provide a quiet and reflective space for young people who may never have access to that kind of therapeutic environment and find it hugely beneficial in managing stress and challenges in their lives. By working in this environment, both alone and in a larger group, young people are able to develop a range of new skills. As well as the specific tasks around fishing, young people work on team building, communication and leadership skills.

OAYP undertook the project to work with young people who have been identified as at risk of becoming NEET, or with special social and educational needs. The success of the project is reflected in the testimonials and young person’s story below.

The Schools Involved

The Oxford Academy– is a school underpinned by Christian values and a moral purpose informing day to day practice. The Oxford Academy attempts to provide an enjoyable, satisfying and balanced programme, with opportunities for all students to develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

Meadowbrook College– a Pupil Referral Unit and Integrated Service (PRUIS). When a young person is permanently excluded from school, Meadowbrook gets involved to plan an appropriate programme of education.

Northfield School– is a school that is statemented as having Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD). What is different about the education here is that its focus is on the individual rather than the group or academic subject.

Young Person’s Story

Before Rob began fishing, he usually isolated himself from the rest of the group, particularly in the classroom. He refused to sit with anyone, answer questions, show anyone his work and refused to follow instructions. He was also easily intimidated by the other students.

Rob is now sitting with the others as a group, working with them and answering teachers’ questions. He has developed the confidence with angling to try and help the other students with rods and equipment and he is beginning to assert himself more.

Rob values the time he gets to fish. He particularly enjoyed building a positive relationship with the Angling Officer, a more positive relationship with his teachers and also with the other students. He also enjoys the quiet time he gets to reflect, the natural isolation and camaraderie he can choose to be a part of; and of course the challenge of fishing itself.

NB: Rob is a name used to protect the identity of the actual person

More Information

1. Projects
2. Peer Education
3. Angling Development
4. Arts Project
5. Community Link-Up Project