Doctors can prescribe fishing for anxiety: fisherman’s program wins King’s Award

What began as a lifesaving escape from depression and addiction for one man has grown into a medically endorsed program that lets doctors prescribe time by the water. Dave Lyons, a fisherman from Stockport, turned his personal recovery through angling into a volunteer-run service now partnered with the NHS — and recently honored with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The initiative, called Tackling Minds, has already seen thousands referred by healthcare professionals for angling sessions aimed at easing anxiety and depression, and its rapid rise is changing how mental health support looks in parts of the UK.

How angling moved from hobby to medicine

Lyons credits fishing with pulling him through a difficult decade of mental health struggles and alcohol dependence. After rebuilding his life, he created Tackling Minds to give others access to the same calm he found on the bank. What started locally has since formalized into a partnership with the NHS, enabling clinicians to issue angling as part of treatment plans.

Key milestones:

• Founded roughly five years ago by Dave Lyons after his own recovery.
• Originally operated alongside the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
• In April 2021 the program expanded so doctors, nurses and other clinicians can prescribe angling through NHS social prescribing pathways.
• Over 2,300 people have taken part after receiving a prescription for fishing-based support.

What participants receive: coaching, gear and safety

Tackling Minds supplies everything a participant needs: rods, tackle, and one-on-one or small-group coaching. Volunteers are trained not only in angling techniques but also in how to support people in vulnerable emotional states, providing a safe, therapeutic environment on the water.

Program features

• Qualified angling coaches experienced in working with people coping with anxiety or depression.
• All equipment provided — no prior experience necessary.
• Support workers present to assist participants and ensure wellbeing during sessions.
• Catch-and-release policy to emphasize wellbeing and conservation.
• Partial funding from the National Lottery and support from the Angling Trust to keep services free or low-cost.

Why doctors are writing fishing on prescriptions

“Social prescribing” — the practice of referring patients to community and nature-based activities — has been promoted across health systems because non-clinical interventions can reduce loneliness, boost mood, and complement conventional treatments.

Time spent outdoors, particularly among trees and water, is linked to measurable benefits for mental and physical health. That evidence underpins initiatives like Tackling Minds, and parallels similar programs abroad: for example, PaRx in Canada allows clinicians to prescribe access to national parks and nature-based experiences as part of care plans.

Benefits reported by participants

• Reduced anxiety and stress after regular sessions.
• Improved social connection from small-group activities.
• New skills and routines that support long-term recovery.
• High participant satisfaction with the welcoming, low-pressure nature of fishing.

Royal recognition and the meaning behind the honor

In October, Buckingham Palace notified Tackling Minds that it had been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — an honor often described as the community equivalent of an MBE. Lyons said the recognition was deeply meaningful to him, his family, and the volunteer team.

The award adds national visibility and brings a platform to promote the therapeutic value of angling. Lyons plans to accept the crystal award at a Manchester ceremony and has been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in the spring.

He dedicated the honor to the program’s late ambassador, former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, who died by suicide in September. Lyons has said Hatton provided encouragement during hard times and worked alongside the group to raise awareness about mental health.

Volunteers, partnerships and the road ahead

Tackling Minds now operates with more than 50 volunteers and aims to expand beyond its current footprint in Lancashire and nearby counties. Organizers hope the model will be adopted more widely across the NHS’ social prescribing networks so that more patients can access nature-based therapy without barriers.

• Volunteer network: Trained anglers and support staff help run sessions and mentor newcomers.
• Funding sources: National Lottery grants and support from angling organizations subsidize training and outreach.
• Scaling goals: Wider NHS adoption and additional partnerships to reach more clinics and communities.

Voices from the water

Participants frequently describe the sessions as life-changing. Many attribute emotional stability and improved routines to regular angling, and local healthcare teams report positive outcomes when fishing is used alongside therapy or medication. The program’s emphasis on inclusion — providing equipment and expert coaching at no cost — has been highlighted as a key reason for its success.

Local celebrities and public figures have also shown support. Television personalities connected to angling outreach sent messages of congratulations, amplifying awareness about how simple, community-led activities can be woven into mental health care.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.