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Fishing 4u project goes from strength to strength

An award-winning project is introducing Hastings youngsters to the joys of angling.

Name a sport that can be enjoyed equally by young and old, able bodied or disabled. And one that combines a host of social, health, education and environmental benefits. Angling scores top in everything that helps to build a positive society, and the Hastings-based Fishing 4U project shows just what can be achieved.

Supported by us, Fishing 4u has introduced more than 1,600 local youngsters to angling over the last three years. As well as teaching the skills to enjoy angling, the project also instils the responsibility that comes with it, such as fish welfare and looking after the environment.

Fishing 4u has picked up an award from UK charity Dreamstore, in recognition of the wider benefits fishing can bring, such as building self-esteem and confidence in often disillusioned and disruptive teenagers.

Hastings Councillor Peter Finch has also paid tribute to the project, saying: “It’s great to see these young people taking up a new sport and getting involved. Well done and congratulations to all at Fishing 4u.”

The project has recently expanded from its origins in Alexandra to the nearby Wishing Tree Reservoir, allowing even more local children and young adults the opportunity to try fishing for the first time.