Residents with disabilities in South Elmsall will be trying their hand at angling with the help of the Environment Agency and SEPYS (South Elmsall Piscatorial Youth Section).
SEPYS is a local charity run by local volunteers which aims to get children off the streets and away from drugs, crime and vandalism. By working with SEPYS, the Environment Agency and Wakefield Primary Care Trust is giving those with disabilities the chance to get involved in fishing, and take it up as a hobby.
Carers from Wakefield Primary Care Trust will be at the event with 15 people of varying levels of disability and angling coaches from the Environment Agency will be on hand to promote the benefits of the country’s most popular sport at the event, providing advice and all equipment.
Pete Turner, fisheries officer at the Environment Agency said: “Taster days are a great opportunity for everyone to get an introduction to fishing. There are many social benefits to angling and we aim to help more people in the region to enjoy the simple pleasures of going fishing, and at the same time help them appreciate and protect their environment.â€
Historically, the Environment Agency has worked closely with SEPYS in South Elmsall to make improvements to the lake and make it the popular angling location it is today.
Four million anglers already participate in England and Wales’ most popular pastime. Fishing is fun and it is an ideal, inexpensive and easy sport for young people to try.
The sessions are part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing commitment to attract an extra 200,000 people to fishing in the next 10 years.
The Environment Agency’s Angling Participation Strategy aims to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take up the sport, and promote the health and social benefits to be gained.
