PARK HOLIDAYS UK has teamed up with a children’s support group which is helping youngsters gain new skills and confidence by teaching them the art of angling.
Lakeside Holiday Park near Chichester this year opened its grounds to Angling Mentors which brings together experienced anglers and young people with special educational needs.
So far this year, almost 100 children have been introduced to fishing at the Sussex park which has nine well-stocked lakes in its 150 acres of landscaped grounds.
The youngsters are mentored by specially trained mature anglers who have a deep love of the sport and a commitment to passing on their knowledge and experience.
As a result, says Angling Mentors, children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other conditions discover an appreciation for nature and grow their confidence and communication skills.
Lakeside’s waters provide ample opportunities for the youngsters to bag their first catch, and are stocked with species such as carp, pike, bream, tench and rudd.
The park has long been a magnet for anglers, and includes holiday homes which are sited around some of the lakes, and which have exterior decking from where lines can be cast.
Angling Mentors, formed in 2023, says its most recent sessions at the park saw 85 young people helped to flourish by enjoying a positive outdoor engagement activity.
Brad May, chief marketing officer at Park Holidays UK and himself a keen angler, said Park Holidays UK was very excited to be involved with the project:
“As well as being a highly rewarding and engaging sport, angling can help teach young people from any background the value of patience and perseverance,” said Brad.
“Angling Mentors provides this to the children through their volunteers, and enables them to develop positive relationships with others of their age and to build their self-worth
“All youngsters face challenges, and we’re delighted to be able to offer the facilities which help these young people grow in confidence while having a great time,” he said.
As well as angling, Lakeside Holiday Park provides watersports on one of its lakes, a state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure venue, swimming pool, and a bar and restaurant.
There is more information about the park at Park Holidays UK, and the website of Angling Mentors contains more details about the group and its activities.