Kent Fishing Initiative Provides Opportunities for Youth

A project in Kent that organizes fishing activities is enabling young participants to find mental clarity and contribute to those who have supported them. The initiative, named Cast A Thought, receives financial backing from BBC Children in Need and has collaborated with Kent Police and local councils to deliver angling sessions for youth. According to Kent Police PCSO Kirsty Greaves, the program serves to prevent young individuals from “going down the wrong path.” She further stated: “It allows them to be themselves. It allows them to be peaceful. They’re not getting in to any trouble and they’re doing what they love.” Will, a participant in the scheme, commented: “When I go, it just gets stuff off my mind.” He elaborated: “When I’ve got things I’m worrying about, I go fishing with my sister, by myself or with my mates, it just helps me clear my head.” Henry, who participated in the project two years prior, is currently undergoing training to become a young leader and expresses enjoyment in his involvement with the group. He remarked: “It’s giving back to people that have helped me and teaching kids what I know, which will help them in the future in case they want to become young leaders,” he said. Regarding the young participants, PCSO Greaves observed: “They’re so passionate about it which means we can all be passionate about it as well.” David Elstone, the lead angling coach, stated that he could not “speak highly enough” of the assistance provided by BBC Children in Need. He affirmed: “Without it, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. “That is the bottom line.” During the 2022/23 period, Children in Need extended its support to over 426,000 children and young people throughout the UK, with approximately 49,000 of these individuals located in South East England. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.