Fishing Buddies: Using Angling to Encourage Conversation and Connection
23/02/26, 12:30
Cambridge United Foundation, working alongside Ian Darler B.E.M., and Cambridge Charity Fundraisers have set up 'Fishing Buddies' to provide an opportunity for people to take time out of their day to come together to fish, talk and socialise.
The sessions have been created to share the benefits of fishing with anglers who feel alone through loss of a family member or a friend, have health or mobility concerns, stress at work or other challenges, and have possibly lost their confidence to go fishing on their own.
The aim is simple but powerful – to improve mental health, reduce social isolation and create friendships for people who are too often left feeling lonely and need company. 'Fishing Buddies' will provide the opportunity for people to ‘open up’ and chat about any concerns that they may not have been able to talk about in the past, breaking down barriers to wellbeing, using fishing as a pathway to improve mental health, create a strong community, and lasting change.
Fishing with a friend allows you to share the excitement of the catch however big or small, along with the more peaceful moments beside the water, and chatting about life’s stories. Fishing is about more than just catching fish. It is about friendships and the bond that forms between fishing friends, many light-hearted stories and life’s challenges have been spoken about whilst sitting on the banks of rivers and lakes.
Fishing in remote locations can be lonely, fishing friendships adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring that there is always someone to assist in case of an emergency or having someone to help carry the tackle and other things that make the trip safer and reassuring.
Being outdoors can also improve mental well-being. Spending time with nature, outlines how exposure to natural environments is linked to improved mood, and a reduction in anxiety.
We are pleased to confirm that Cambridge Fish Preservation Angling Club and Frasers Fishery along with Rookery Waters have already kindly agreed to support 'Fishing Buddies' with the fishing venues. We are very grateful to Wrenbridge Sport and M & M Plumbing & Heating Services for supporting this initiative, enabling us to provide the opportunity free of charge, all you will need is a current rod licence, tackle, and bait. Lunch will also be provided.
Dates have now been confirmed as Wednesday 27th May and Wednesday 24th June 2026, so any anglers who would like to attend will be required to register their interest.
Please note that whilst we will always try to provide a safe environment, Cambridge United Foundation and Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers cannot accept any liability or responsibility for any accidents or loss should they occur during the events and anglers are responsible for their own safety.