About
Our own passion for angling, working with others and a recognition of the therapeutic abilities of engaging with nature led us to create Cast A Thought.
As a result of running several small community events and seeing the positive outcomes that were achieved, in 2022 we became a CIC, Community Interest Company, taking things to the next level and focusing our time and energy into Cast A Thought, full time.
We now provide programmes of fishing activities and projects to act as a tools to support the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at various locations across the country.
Working in partnership with local government, police authorities, organisations and communities.
Our Mission
At Cast A Thought CIC our mission is to provide children, young people and adults, with the tools and mechanisms for dealing with their mental health and wellbeing, through holistic, accessible for all, non-judgemental fishing activities.
Accessibility is key to what we do.
We aim to be as inclusive and accessible as is safely and realistically achievable for the services we provide.
Our Vision
At Cast A Thought, our primary goal is to harness the therapeutic power of fishing activities to promote mental health and well-being across all age groups.
Our specific aims and objectives are as follows:
1. Supporting Children, Young People, and Adults:
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To provide inclusive and accessible fishing programs that cater to the diverse needs of children, young people, and adults.
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To create a supportive environment where participants can develop essential life skills, resilience, and a sense of achievement through fishing activities.
2. Mental Health and Well-being:
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To enhance mental health and well-being by utilising the calming and meditative aspects of fishing.
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To raise awareness about the positive impact of outdoor activities, specifically fishing, on mental health.
3. Addressing Social Isolation:
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To reach out to and support adults at risk of social isolation through community-based fishing events.
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To foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
4. Long-Term Health Issues:
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To tailor fishing programs to the unique needs of individuals with long-term health issues, providing a therapeutic outlet for physical and mental well-being.
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To collaborate with healthcare professionals to integrate fishing activities into holistic health management plans.
5. Education and Outreach:
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To educate the community about the benefits of fishing for mental health and well-being.
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To actively engage with schools, community centres, and healthcare providers to promote the understanding and adoption of our programs.
6. Environmental Stewardship:
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To instil a sense of environmental responsibility by promoting sustainable fishing practices.
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To educate participants about the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems for future generations.
At Cast a Thought, we are dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting positive impacts on the mental health and well-being of individuals while fostering a sense of community and environmental consciousness.
Our Partners
We work with organisations and individuals from across the country.
Without their support we couldn't do what we do.
If you'd like to become a partner and support Cast A Thought, get in touch via our contact page.
Our Partners Say
"Kent Police came across Cast A Thought when looking to provide a fishing diversion program for young people ages 13-17 years. Having run a successful pilot in 2023 we are now working to deliver the program regularly in Maidstone and trying to roll it out countywide. They are phenomenal at what they do and they work very hard in partnerships with other agencies. There is nothing that is too much for them and they are ensure their skills are passed over to everyone they meet. We are looking forward to what the future holds with Fish-Fest and working further in partnership to continue making this program a success."
PCSO Kirsty Greaves - Maidstone Community Safety Unit
When it feels disheartening to learn that trauma changes the brain, remember that healing changes the brain, too.
Meet the Team
Meet the volunteers who make up Cast A Thought
Community Development Lead and Director
Helen Elstone
I am a qualified Youth Worker, Angling Event Lead Coach, and Youth Mental Health first aider. With 22 years of administrative experience, including community development, financial management and bid writing. Moving away from administration I was a youth worker for 10 years, working for various organisations across the county, supporting the personal, social and emotional development of young people. It was during this time that I came to see the benefits that fishing can have on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. In 2021 I started to fish to support my own mental health and have become a regular angler, taking part in matches up and down the country, including the Angling Trust's Women's National. It is as a result of these life experiences, and those of fellow anglers, that we set up Cast A Thought in 2022. It is an honour and a privilege to be part of the organisation and to work alongside our partner organisations and the children, young people and adults that access our services.
Lead Angling Coach and Volunteer Co-ordinator
Dave Elstone
I am a qualified Youth Worker, Level 2 Angling Coach and Youth Mental Health First Aider. Having seen the benefits of fishing on both the young people I have worked with, and also on my own mental health, I had no hesitation in becoming involved with Cast A Thought. I have fished for over 50 years and have knowledge in most aspects of the sport. Working in France, at Vallee Lakes, for 9 months helped me to develop my carp angling skills but more recently I have turned back to match fishing and took part in the 2023 Disabled National.
Angling Coach and Director
Ian Groom
I’ve been an angler for over 45 years, from general coarse fishermen, to full on fly fisherman and now carp angler.
I’m a full qualified fisheries manager, having studied at Sparsholt, before becoming the first paid Angling Projects Officer at Lee Valley Park, my main role being the promotion of angling.
I’ve worked within tackle shops, both stores and online, at numerous fisheries and now find myself as the European Ambassador for Rippton Smart fishing Technology, an established manufacture of kit such as Alarms, bait boats, lighting and even drones.
I am extremely privileged to be a director at Cast A Thought and try to spend any time I can with the coaches and support them in any way I can.
Director
Nic Baggott
At a very young age, my angling hero took me fishing for the very first time, my Father. He was a very keen coarse and sea fisherman, but my love was firstly Fly fishing, then Coarse for which in my early teens grew into competitive match fishing. Currently I am now sponsored by Maver Harescombe. I served in the Royal Air Force for nearly 25 years in the Tactical Communications field, and in my final years I was a Senior ICT leader and Service Delivery Manager. Being in the Forces never stopped my passion for angling, and I was very fortunate to be able to pursue my love of fishing in other countries. On leaving the Armed Forces, I ended up working in Africaas an Operations/Security Manager and then became a Director for a Diamond Mining Company. I am honoured to be a Director with Cast A Thought, the team work tirelessly all year in all weathers. Their energy and commitment are outstanding in delivering these programmes to those who need it.
Angling Event Lead Coach (Volunteer) and Hertfordshire Co-ordinator
Julia Ryan
I’ve only been fishing for a few years but thanks to the wonderful support and encouragement from Cast A Thought, combined with the experience from starting match angling in 2023, I’ve recently become an Angling Event Lead Coach. I’m keen to learn more and to share my passion for fishing and to promote the hugely positive impact it has on health and wellbeing I am looking forward to help develop our work in the Hertfordshire area over the coming year.
Angling Event Lead Coach (Volunteer)
Tommy Humm
I started volunteering with Cast A Thought as part of my Fisheries Management degree course at Hadlow College. Cast A Thought have paid for me to gain my Angling Event Lead Coach qualification which means I can now coach the children, young people and adults that attend the sessions run. I am a keen carp angler and particularly enjoy the Fish Fest sessions that are run in partnership with Kent Police.