Social club aims to tackle mental health concerns with fishing

Date published: 04 February 2021

A Rochdale social club is aiming to tackle mental health concerns with a gentle spot of fishing.

Tackling Minds aims to promote fishing to people from every walk of life; from mental health conditions and recovery from addiction, to social issues, homelessness and loneliness.

Currently under the lockdown rules, fishing is one of the few sports allowed, with the Angling Trust's permission and following strict government guidelines, Tackling Minds is still able to reach out and offer its services.

Founder Dave Lyons, 37, began Tackling Minds after going through recovery – and says the sport saved his life.

He explained: “Angling has helped me get my life back on track. If you speak to any of my friends, they’ll tell you that I’d be the least person you’d expect to suffer with mental illness.

“I was on the long road to recovery, using the local drug and alcohol services and slowly trying to turn my life around. A very good friend of mine, Simon Parker, that I have fished with, and who today remains a great support, was back fishing our local waters.

“Simon has an immense passion for the sport and it is only through his passion, that he rekindled my love for the sport. Just thinking about getting back out there again was enough to get me excited.”

Dave told Rochdale Online his story, in the hope of helping others in similar situations.

Dave said: “I’d end up going on month-long benders with periods of normality in between, but this was the first tell-tale sign I had problems, as patterns were starting to emerge. I’d have periods where I’d abstain from alcohol and drugs. I’d be at the gym, running, seeing my friends as usual, and I felt ok again.

“So, because I thought I was ok, I’d think I was strong minded enough to be able to enjoy a few social drinks. It would never be a few drinks.

“I'd end up feeling a million times worse the following day and I began to self-medicate again.”

After battling alcohol addiction, Major Anxiety Disorder and depression, Dave tried to mask his feelings with alcohol, eventually drinking so much to the point that he would open a can as soon as he woke up.

He moved to Australia in 2014 hoping for a new start, but ended up in the vicious cycle again.

 

 

Dave continued: “Whilst in Australia, my drinking took a turn for the worst. It was affecting my work, relationships, and most of all, my mental health. I became unemployable and was in a pretty dark and lonely place. 

“I started knocking about with the wrong people whilst I lived in Sydney. I was drinking on the streets, and not caring about anyone or anything. I wasn’t working, my funds were running dry and I was getting really bad withdrawals when I wasn’t drinking. So much so, I couldn’t drink from a can, as my shakes had become uncontrollable.”

In 2017, Dave decided to move back home and returned to England.

He said: “It was a safer option for me, as well as being around the right people.”

After securing a job, Dave fell into old habits before his family supported him into alcohol detox. Dave became involved with local drug and alcohol services, but unfortunately his mental health deteriorated. Six months later, he found himself in another detox facility.

“Alcohol is the most dangerous of all substances to withdraw from, hence why being in the hands of medical professions is the way to do it. My withdrawals were so severe that I was wheelchair-bound for a number of days because my body had packed in. It was so scary.”

To date, Dave has completed four separate alcohol detoxes, the most recent being last year after he relapsed abroad during the pandemic following an 18 month period of sobriety.

Dave moved back to Australia in October 2019 to restart a relationship with an ex-girlfriend, but due to visa requirements, he had to leave the country in February 2020 for a short period of time. He moved to Bali, intending to stay for just one week before then re-entering Australia and renew his visa.

Then the pandemic hit – and Australia closed its borders.

Dave recalled: “Flights back to England were getting cancelled, my evidence to prove that I was in a registered relationship had failed, and I was alone in a third world country with no idea how I could get out.

“I was sitting outside on a bench in Bali, watching the day go by, when an Australian guy sat next to me. He was enjoying a nice cold pint. My anxiety and depression had hit an all-time low and I wasn’t even drinking. The guy offered me a drink, but I declined. I explained my circumstances and he was really understanding.

“The thought of having a drink overcame me. Everything I’d learnt from my past experiences had gone out of the window again. So, I decided to order myself a drink. Whilst doing so, the nice chap I’d befriended, turned to me and said, ‘I'm not staying mate. I’m not being around when you’re doing this.’ I totally understand his reasonings behind this, and I applaud him for doing so.

“I’m stuck in Bali and I’m about to embark on what was the most horrendous time of my life. I’d got myself into an absolute state. I'd picked up the drink as though I’d never stopped drinking in the first place. I had relapsed to the point where I was not able to get myself to the airport, let alone book a flight.

“My family organised for me to fly out of Bali in mid-April. There were two flights and two flights only, to get back to England. If I missed the flights, God only knows where I’d be now. I wouldn’t like to think about it, to be honest.”

Dave then had to undertake a medical examination to ensure he was fit enough to fly due to his addiction taking hold once more. He was deemed safe enough to fly and was booked on the first of the last two flights back to Heathrow.

On arrival, he was deemed unfit to fly but somehow made it onto the last flight – although his memory is hazy, recalling being pushed in a wheelchair and ‘manhandled’ onto the plane.

The flight left Bali, landing in Doha, Qatar, an Islamic country which does not allow alcohol, nor do flights into the country sell alcohol onboard.

With a five hour flight, then a five hour layover before flying to Heathrow, Dave began experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms.

“I was drinking so much, that when I stopped drinking, my body was going into shutdown. As strange as it sounds, It’s far too dangerous to suddenly stop drinking, when you are drinking the amount I was. I had to drink to keep myself together and to be able to function a certain level.

“I couldn’t stand up to even walk to the toilet. I looked drunk, but I wasn’t. Yes, I still had alcohol in my system, but I was stumbling all over the show because my body needed the alcohol to function. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. To add to what already was the worst situation of my life, I had layover in Doha. It was excruciating.”

He went on: “I didn’t know this at the time, but the cabin crew on both flights knew my situation. My family must have informed the medical examiner, who then explained this to them.”

Refreshments – including alcoholic drinks – were served on his flight out of Doha back to the UK, and after a few drinks, Dave explained his situation to cabin crew: “Once I had enough alcohol inside of me, I was fine enough to stand up, the shakes had somewhat subsided and I was able to start feeling a little less anxious. I struck up a conversation with the staff and explained my situation.

“To my surprise, they were extremely empathetic towards me. So, by explaining my circumstances, they proceeded to serve me drinks for the duration of the flight. It gets to the point, where in alcohol addiction, well in my case anyway, it’s not a matter of getting drunk, it’s a matter of being able to function, and act to a level that seems normal.”

Arriving at Heathrow, Dave was met at the arrivals lounge by his mum, Andrea, and her partner, Don, – and underwent detox once more.

 

 

Now living overlooking Hollingworth Lake, Dave has continued with his recovery and has even been supported by Ricky Hatton.

He said: “Life is great at the moment and fishing has a huge part to play in that. If it wasn’t for fishing keeping my mind active, things wouldn’t be half as great as they are now.

“I have been blessed to find myself a beautiful, caring girlfriend, Jenny, who has been an immense support. Jenny is best friends with boxing champion and great British personality, Ricky Hatton MBE. During my time in addiction and after, he was kind enough to offer his support and words of wisdom via video calls.”

Dave says he and Ricky have now become “very good friends” and Dave and Jenny are now expecting their first child together.

When asked what benefits he gets from fishing, Dave replied: “There are too many things to mention. What could be better than getting out in green open spaces, fresh air, socialising with friends, meeting new friends and getting active in body and mind?

“Fishing works your main muscle groups: it engages your shoulders, back, arms, core and legs in an active workout. Choosing a fishing spot that's a 10 to 15 minute walk from my house is an obvious boost to aerobic exercise. But setting up, casting off and then winding in hundreds of small fish calls for a bit of strength.”

Dave continued: “I find that fishing lets you unplug from everyday day stressful situations.

“Not only is my mind on something else when I’m out on the water, but fishing takes your mind off things when you’re not out on the water. You have to think about what you’re fishing, where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing for, what bait you’re using, what method you’re fishing ,what rig you’re fishing, and so on and so on. The list is endless. 

“Just being near water lowers anxiety and instils a sense of calm. More and more people are realising this and starting to use the therapeutic benefits of fishing, to treat post-traumatic-stress-disorder and other illnesses.”

“No matter what age you are, when you join an angling club you become part of a community, whether you take part in competitions or just nod a greeting to the angler on the next peg. 

“You can join in as much, or as little as you want to, but being around like-minded people, sharing an interest and connecting with new friends is a great way to spend the day.

“Fishing is all about personal goals, and attaining those goals is a sure fire way to improve self-esteem. It’s also a lifelong skill that you can enjoy at any age. Every angler remembers their first catch. Just look at the way their eyes light up when they talk about it.

“Fishing is also the perfect skill to pass on. With grandfathers taking grandchildren out to a local canal and showing them how to hook a maggot. Spending time with your family also promotes feelings of security and wellbeing, making fishing a worthwhile activity to learn.”

 

 

He added: “The demand for Tackling Minds is on the rise because of lockdown. We have thousands following the Facebook page and we work with a large number of mental health organisations that refer their service users to us.

“We receive messages on a daily basis from people who are struggling with their mental health due to the current lockdown, wanting to know how they can get involved with our fishing events.

“We are very limited in terms of reaching out to as many people as possible at present due to funding. At present, we are relying on donations from kind members of the public.”

Since its inception, Tackling Minds has also raised £300, tackle and free coaching lessons for a vulnerable elderly lady who was attacked with a baseball bat during a burglary. Dave has chosen not to reveal her identity.

He said: “Her injuries were so severe, she now has long lasting mental health problems. These vile beings stole her husband’s fishing tackle, his prized possession. Sadly, he has since died and her health drastically deteriorated.

“Fishing was a pastime they used to love doing as a couple. She always remembers the great days together they had and has fond memories that she will keep with her forever. She now wants to get back into fishing, not only to reignite the memories of fishing with her husband, but to help her manage her mental health.”

After a small campaign, over £300 was raised in just hours with fellow anglers rallying around to support the lady in question.

Dave said she was “very touched by people’s generosity.”

Dave concluded: “I plan on volunteering as much as humanly possible with Tackling Minds, and making a difference to other people's lives. I think we could help lots of people.

“Fishing can change people’s lives.”

 

 

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Join Tackling Minds or help out

Tackling Minds is seeking donations to enable those who are struggling or who just want to experience the sport, to take part. The group is also seeking more volunteers.

You can get in touch via email, Facebook or telephone.

• Email: fishing@tacklingminds.org
• Tel: 07432 411 502
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tacklingmindsuk/

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If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, help is available.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Alcoholics Anonymous has seen a rise in people seeking help to stop drinking.

New figures reveal there has been an increase in calls to their helpline and online services of more than 35 per cent in the first quarter and a rise of 15 per cent in the second quarter, compared to the same period last year. 

AA says don’t suffer alone, if you have a desire to stop drinking either pick up the phone to its national helpline or get in touch online, it provides an online responder service and a chat now service. 

People can call and talk to an alcoholic in recovery and can ask for an AA member in their area to contact them to help them find AA meetings they can attend.  

Anyone who wants help with their drinking can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650 or email help@aamail.org or visit the Chat Now service at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Andys Man Club Rochdale – provides men with a safe space to openly discuss their worries and mental health concerns.

The group meets every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm - 9pm at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG. Meetings are continuing during lockdown.

If you would like to attend, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Andys-Man-Club-Rochdale-112828153933273/

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

• Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
• Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Rochdale & District Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Face-to-face services have moved to telephone, email, messaging and video: Mind’s Men’s and Women’s Support Groups, Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Groups.

Mind has an online self-referral form here: www.rochdalemind.org.uk/refer and its Information Line can be reached on 01706 752 338.

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

• Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
• Website: www.samaritans.org.uk