A Burton fishing project aiming to help engage young people has netted a £2,000 grant from the People Power Fund.
The angling group, FISH 2013, Fishing in Safe Hands, looks to lower anti-social behaviour in the East Staffordshire area by encouraging young people to learn new skills through fishing.
The club also allows for family members to get involved in the hope of developing relationships among family members. The club has found that family groups who attend realise that they are able to spend quality time together while fishing.
Now, the club has been awarded a £2,000 grant to help with the funding of its weekly sessions, held in Needwood, near Burton.
The money comes courtesy of Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, and the people power fund entices community groups to come forward to apply for grants ranging between £100 and £3,000.
He has explained that projects like this can only benefit the community by helping to engage and teach children new skills.
Mr Ellis said: “Projects like FISH 2013 are engaging local young people who may not be involved in mainstream sport, and teaching them important skills. It provides them with the opportunity to spend quality time with their families and build those important familial bonds.
“The best ideas to reduce crime, social harm and anti-social behaviour often come from communities affected by those issues. That’s why, since 2013 I’ve increased the funding provided for simple things that make local areas safer and better to live in.
“Tackling the issues, building community spirit and often reducing repeat demand on policing means providing that financial help at the most local level is really cost effective.”
Outwoods Parish Council chairman, John Anderson is the founder and head coach of FISH 2013 and has highlighted the importance of getting funding from sources like the People Power Fund as it shows the support the group has.
Mr Anderson said: “Without the Commissioners People Power Fund grant, FISH 2013 would not be able to operate.
“FISH 2013 Fishing In Safe Hands is the only angling coaching club in Burton on Trent and we go way beyond angling coaching. We get hundreds of young people out into the countryside and help many to get back on track in their lives by encouraging family and community values.
“We also support many young people before they stray too far from the path by early intervention through our links with local schools. This in turn encourages public confidence.”
The fishing groups Facebook page post regular updates about when and where they will be fishing and holding sessions for children and families.
