Eastbourne fishing group aims to help young people’s mental health

Paul Dummer has set up a Facebook group called Tackling Life, with the aim of getting young people fishing.

He came up with the idea after two boys who had recently lost their father posted on social media that their fishing equipment had been stolen.

The brothers were upset as they always used to go fishing with their dad.

Paul put up a post about this, asking people to help the boys, and by the end of the day he had numerous donations from people all over the country.

One man even drove 80 miles to give the boys £200 and some fishing tackle.

“I had donations coming left right and centre,” said Paul.

From this, he decided to create the Facebook group Tackling Life.

He said, “It was time to do something different, I’m doing this for others.

“I’ve been fishing for years, it is good for mental health because you forget about everything going on in life and just relax.”

Paul ultimately wants to go around youth clubs and make this into a charity to help disadvantaged young people find a healthy hobby in fishing.

He said how it helped him, and he wants to show youngsters that they’re not alone.

“My mental health wasn’t great last year so getting out fishing was ideal for me.

“A lot in the group have been in the same position. They can always turn to us for help.”

The hope of the group is to get young people started with the hobby using donations from others.

Paul has also had sponsorship interest for future events and competitions from fishing companies including Clip Roddy.

He said, “It’s a good thing to do, and others have said to go for it - I just want to help.”

Anyone interested in finding out more information can check out their Facebook group called Tackling Life.