At Ightenhill Primary School, we have accessed MS Angling and Education at Cornfield Farm Fisheries for a number of years. The school have a good relationship with the fisheries and Mark. Mark is aware of the challenges a number of our children face and the importance of the children's safety and well-being. When we were given the opportunity to participate in the Burnley Community Cohesion and Resilience Fishing Project, we didn't hesitate as we knew this would be beneficial for our children and families. We selected children where we hoped we could improve positive family connections. One of the children we selected was having difficulty with his attendance. He was experiencing some Emotional Based School Avoidance - his dad was very supportive with school and would bring his son into school. However, this impacted their relationship as the child felt that dad was not supporting him, or looking after him. This put a strain on them and the wider family. We felt that father and son would benefit from some positive time together: enjoying the outdoors; the wellbeing of participating in sport and learning how to fish. The impact of 'Family Fishing' has been positive. Father and son have reconnected and their bond is much stronger. The young man has also found coming into school much easier - he is no longer brought into school crying and angry but walks into school with a smile on his face. His confidence has grown. His attendance has improved as has his attainment in school as a result. Another child was chosen as his mum has recently gone through, and recovered from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a school, we felt that the Community Cohesion and Resilience Fishing Project would allow the family to have some quality time together away from their home and their usual environment. The fishing has provided a positive enjoyable experience for the family and they have created happy memories together. Doing something new has also allowed the child to open up and talk to his parents about his worries and his experience of his mum's cancer treatment from his perspective. On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to see the children and parents return to school after their sessions. You can see that they have had a memorable morning and positive family connections are evident. Many thanks, Deputy Headteacher Ightenhill Primary School
Kathryn Dunderdale: Deputy Head Teacher, Ightenhill Primary School
Having worked with Mark and his team over the last 3 years, I can honestly say what a brilliant experience the children of Barrowford School have had when they’ve been fishing. The staff are always enthusiastic and are determined for every child not only to catch fish, but also to enjoy the experience. It isn’t just about catching fish, it also teaches children life skills such as team work and patience which is transferred into the classroom. The number of children who have been fishing once and ask me at school when they can go again is a testament to their enjoyment of the experience.
Dan Kobak: Intervener, Barrowford Primary School
"The set-up is first class - Mark, Allan, the venue, the kit, the learning environment - just the whole experience. The children are at their most relaxed. It's opened up a channel for the children to explore further. It's a subject they can communicate through. Our children cannot wait for fishing on a Friday."
John Robertshaw, Headteacher, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School, Colne, Lancashire |
Our 11 year old son loved his fishing party for his birthday. Mark and his team are very patient with the children and all of the children had an amazing time. Out of the 18 boys and girls that went, the majority hadn't fished before but this wasn't a problem at all and they all caught plenty! It was made extra fun and competitive with games, and the brand new lodge was a great place for the children to enjoy the party food after a busy morning fishing! This is a great 'experience day' for any child and if you want to do something unique, then this is the party for you! Reasonably priced too!
Dean Plowes: Birthday Party 23/06/2024
"The lads have all thoroughly enjoyed their second block of 'Angling Therapy' with @MSmed4 of MS Angling and Education. Mark is dedicated to helping others. The angling works well; relaxing outside with a coffee and a biscuit, chatting to others. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has never fished before. It's been so beneficial to me and the lads."
Gav Melling, Secretary, Men's Den Colne, Lancashire |
"We are very proud to be part of Feel-Good Friday. Our pupils love the opportunity to get outside, meet new people, learn new skills and work as part of a team. It has had a huge impact on those children who have been involved and will certainly be an amazing school memory that they will keep forever."
Sarah Midgley, Headteacher, Park Primary School, Colne, Lancashire |
"The excitement on the children's faces every Friday morning is a picture! Fishing is something the children look forward to every week. It is a lovely reward for all their hard work in the classroom and an escape from any problems or worries they may have on their minds. Mark and his team are very experienced anglers and have taught children lots about the sport to the extent where children are going home and asking parents to take them fishing in their spare time."
Nathan Benson, Teaching Assistant, Park Primary School, Colne, Lancashire |
"Friday fishing sessions have been a great way to support children's health and wellbeing. They are able to spend time outdoors in a beautiful, peaceful setting, learning a new sport under the care of Mark, who teaches them resilience, teamwork and all about the fish and their habitat. When the Year 6 residential was cancelled due to Covid-19, a fishing session was a great alternative. At the end of the session, there were many converts to fishing - even the staff! Now we have many children, and staff, asking to join the Feel-Good Friday fishing!"
Cathy Baxter, Headteacher, Holy Saviour RC Primary School, Nelson, Lancashire |
"The fishing for wellbeing sessions are making a huge difference for the patients that have been referred in for support and a great boost for their mental health. Mark is patient and understanding of the needs of individuals and the sessions are delivered in a safe, supportive and peaceful environment."
Amy Whitham, Social Prescribing Link Worker, Burnley, Lancashire
"Mental Health and Wellbeing has never been more important for our children at Greatwood. As part of our bespoke Outdoor-Ed curriculum we have been attending MS Angling sessions. The impact that the sessions have had on our children's mental health and wellbeing has been significant. Mark and his team are highly skilled in teaching angling and the sessions enable all children to experience success. Some of the skills that our children have developed within the sessions have been: determination, passion, teamwork, respect, patience, self-belief and co-ordination. We have continued to fish throughout the pandemic; Mark and the team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the sessions are fully risk assessed and are safe and secure."
Jonelle Yeoman, Headteacher, Greatwood Community Primary and Nursery School, Skipton, North Yorkshire |
"I really enjoyed the afternoon down at Cornfield Fishery in Burnley meeting Mark and his team and seeing and hearing about all the great work he is doing. Spending time myself learning how to fish made me realise how impactful this can be on people with mental well-being challenges." "Meeting some of the people involved in Mark’s angling project who have been through some serious life changing struggles or who have just needed the company and someone to speak to was wonderful; seeing the impact his programmes have had on people was really eye opening." "It was also really exciting to know that Mark was teaching many young children about fishing and hearing about the many positive and memorable experiences they have had was wonderful. Learning new skills and having fun in the great outdoors but also the positive impact the fishing sessions were having on their mental well-being." "I have been coming to Cornfields for almost 3 years with family members working there and spending time at the farm but never tried fishing, but now I can see why it really helps a lot of people. I can see why it is so popular and knowing how much Mark has been supporting these people through fishing and chatting, he has made such a positive impact on their lives."
Leah Hunt - Office Administrator and Support - Together an Active Future