Who I Am

I’m Andy, an Angling Trust–qualified instructor and a registered Mental Health First Aider. Fishing has been a lifelong passion, taught to me by my brother from an early age. Beyond catching fish, angling has taught me and my own children discipline, patience, and resilience. I now use it as a tool to support young people’s growth, learning, and wellbeing.

I have experience coaching both adults and young people, including those with special educational needs, behaviour challenges, or mental health needs. My approach is simple: create enjoyable sessions that teach practical skills, build confidence, and promote lifelong benefits.

Why Fishing?

Fishing is more than a sport, it’s a therapeutic tool. It creates calm, structured environments where young people can feel safe, valued, and capable. On the bank or in the classroom, angling develops focus, resilience, communication, and decision-making all vital life skills.

What’s Important to Me

• Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment
• Using angling to build confidence, resilience, and communication skills
• Supporting progress at each young person’s pace, celebrating every achievement
• Working closely with schools, parents, and professionals to track development

What I Offer

• Angling skills coaching: from basics (fish care, knots, bait, safety) to advanced techniques
• Maths & English in practice: measuring, counting, recording, preparation, forward thinking
• Communication & language: step-by-step instructions, listening, descriptive vocabulary
• Behaviour & regulation support: structured routines, calming environments, positive modelling
• Mental health & wellbeing: mindfulness, relaxation, safe risk-taking, and a sense of achievement
• Adapted support: for children with special needs, trauma, or behavioural difficulties

How I Work

• Calm, patient, and encouraging approach
• Small, achievable steps with positive feedback
• Predictable routines to support regulation and confidence
• Reflection, learning, and – most importantly – fun

Benefits for Young People

• Increased confidence, resilience, and independence
• Improved communication, maths, and literacy skills
• Better self-regulation and behaviour management
• Reduced anxiety and stress through mindful, calming activity
• Development of focus, patience, and problem-solving
• A sense of belonging, purpose, and achievement
• Potential career pathways within the angling and outdoors industry

Careers and Future Opportunities

Angling offers more than enjoyment, it can open doors to future opportunities. Skills gained through fishing such as patience, problem-solving, communication, and resilience are highly valued in the workplace. Young people can also explore career paths directly linked to the outdoors and environment, including roles in fisheries management, coaching and instructing, conservation, outdoor education, and even media or journalism within the angling industry. By developing these transferable skills and building confidence through fishing, young people are better prepared for further education, training, and employment in a wide range of fields.

Why TRUST Education Group Promotes Angling

TRUST Education Group supports angling as an enrichment activity because it provides:

• A therapeutic outlet that improves mental health and emotional wellbeing
• A practical way to teach transferable skills in a safe and engaging environment
• Opportunities for young people of all abilities to succeed and grow
• Pathways into further education, training, and employment

“Fishing is not just about catching fish, it’s about catching opportunities for growth, resilience, and a building confidence”.